Damage to Crape Myrtle Trees

Question

I live in zone 6Bb. I have 3 crape myrtle trees – one planted two years ago and two planted last year. They did very well and were looking great this spring. Last night we had an unusually cold night and all the new growth is damaged. Is there anything I can do so they will bloom this year, or at least have green growth?

Answer 1

Unusually cold weather can damage developing buds, so if it suffered from any cold damage, then minor pruning may be necessary depending on the damage. I would, however, wait until it's safe to do so in case of another cold snap. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/tips-for-saving-cold-damaged-plants.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/best-crepe-myrtle-pruning-time-when-to-prune-crepe-myrtle.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/pruning-crepe-myrtle-trees.htm