Overwintering a Small Crape Myrtle Seedling in Maryland (Zone 7)

A 5-inch crape myrtle seedling is too small to plant out in fall. Keep it indoors over winter.

Indoor Care

• Cool, bright spot (unheated sunroom, garage above freezing).
• Water sparingly—let go dormant.
• No fertilizer.

Spring Planting

• After last frost, harden off 10 days.
• Plant in full sun; water regularly.
• If still <2 ft by Sept, overwinter again.

Patience yields a strong, well-established tree.