Overwintering Potted Crape Myrtle Seedlings in Louisiana

If you’ve dug up crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia) seedlings or suckers and potted them for winter, they can survive with minimal protection in Louisiana’s mild climate.

Winter Care by Region

• South Louisiana (mild winters): Place pots against a south-facing wall for wind protection. No extra covering needed.
• North Louisiana (Shreveport, Monroe, near Arkansas): Move pots to an unheated garage or shed, or cluster them against a protected wall and mulch heavily with straw or leaves.

General Tips

• Do not prune now—wait until late winter.
• Water sparingly—just enough to keep roots from drying out.
• In spring, after the last frost, gradually reintroduce to full sun over 10 days.
• Repot or plant in ground when new growth appears.

Crape myrtles are tough once established. With a little winter TLC, your potted seedlings will be ready to thrive next season.