when do crape myrtles leaf out

Question

I have a crape myrtle and it’s about in its 4th year. It hasn’t leafed out yet. It’s normally late, but I’m wondering if the severe cold killed it this winter. I live in downtown Philadelphia and the zone is a bit warmer here in the city.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Crepe myrtles are one of the last plants to leaf out in spring (late spring) which causes many to fear the worst. And, with a cold winter/cold spring, many plants/trees have been slow to come out of dormancy. So, at this time, all I can prescribe is a little patience. If you are really concerned, you could do a scratch test on the trunk per the guidelines in the following article: http://www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/how-to-do-a-scratch-test/. A scratch test will help determine if your tree is still alive and what limbs are genuinely dead. With a scratch test, “green is good” and means there is hope of recovery.

For more information on crepe myrtles, please visit the following links:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/crepe-myrtle-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/crepe-myrtle-not-leafing-out.htm