Don't have a garden? Limited to a balcony, courtyard, or patio? You can still enjoy the spectacular summer colour of crepe myrtles by growing them in containers. With the right variety selection and care approach, potted crepe myrtles thrive and flower abundantly, bringing their signature blooms to even the smallest outdoor spaces.
This guide covers everything you need to know about successful container growing, from choosing the right pot and variety to ongoing care that keeps your potted crepe myrtle healthy for years.
Why Crepe Myrtles Work Well in Containers
Several characteristics make crepe myrtles excellent candidates for container growing:
- Adaptable root systems: They tolerate root restriction better than many trees
- Drought tolerance: Less likely to suffer if watering is occasionally missed
- Deciduous nature: Winter dormancy reduces water needs during cool months
- Range of sizes: Dwarf varieties are specifically bred for containers
- Heat tolerance: Thrives on hot patios where other plants struggle
Choosing the Right Variety
Variety selection is crucial for container success. While any crepe myrtle can technically be grown in a pot, dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties are most practical and require less maintenance.
Best Varieties for Containers
- Pocomoke: The ultimate container variety at just 60cm-1m. Deep rose-pink flowers.
- Petite Series: Available in multiple colours, all staying under 1.5m.
- Cherry Dazzle: Compact red variety, perfect for pots.
- Zuni: If you have a large pot (60cm+), this lavender variety reaches 2-3m.
- Tonto: Fuchsia-red flowers on a compact 2-3m plant for larger containers.
Size Matters
Resist the temptation to plant a large variety in a container. You'll spend years fighting to control its size, and the tree will never reach its potential. Dwarf varieties naturally stay small while still producing abundant flowers.
Selecting the Right Container
Size Requirements
- Minimum diameter: 40cm for dwarf varieties, 50-60cm for semi-dwarfs
- Depth: At least as deep as it is wide
- Room to grow: Start slightly larger than necessary to reduce repotting frequency
Material Considerations
- Terracotta: Classic look, good aeration, but dries out quickly and can crack in frost
- Glazed ceramic: Retains moisture better, less prone to cracking
- Fibreglass/resin: Lightweight, durable, good insulation
- Concrete: Heavy and stable, excellent insulation
- Plastic: Lightweight and affordable, but can degrade in sun
Essential Features
Whatever material you choose, ensure your container has:
- Drainage holes: Multiple large holes in the bottom are essential
- Stability: Heavy enough to resist wind, especially as the tree grows
- Light colour: Dark pots absorb heat and can cook roots in summer
Key Takeaway
Drainage is non-negotiable. Without adequate drainage, roots will rot, and the tree will die. If your pot lacks drainage, drill holes before planting.
Potting Your Crepe Myrtle
Potting Mix
Use a premium quality potting mix formulated for trees and shrubs. Look for mixes that include:
- Composted bark or coir for structure
- Perlite or coarse sand for drainage
- Slow-release fertiliser
- Wetting agents to prevent hydrophobic dry spots
Avoid using garden soil, which compacts in containers and doesn't drain properly.
Potting Steps
- Cover drainage holes with mesh or broken pottery to prevent soil loss while allowing water out.
- Add enough potting mix so the root ball will sit 3-5cm below the rim.
- Position the plant centrally and fill around the roots.
- Firm the mix gently to eliminate air pockets.
- Water thoroughly until water runs from drainage holes.
- Add more mix if it settles, maintaining the 3-5cm gap for watering.
Watering Container Crepe Myrtles
Container plants need more frequent watering than their in-ground counterparts. The limited soil volume dries out quickly, especially in summer.
Watering Schedule
- Summer: Water daily or every other day during hot weather. Check soil moisture before watering.
- Spring/Autumn: Every 2-3 days, adjusting based on weather.
- Winter: Once weekly or less during dormancy. Overwatering when dormant causes root rot.
How to Water
Always water until water runs freely from drainage holes. This ensures the entire root ball is moistened. Quick, shallow watering leaves the lower roots dry.
Self-Watering Pots
Consider self-watering containers with built-in reservoirs if you travel frequently or tend to forget watering. These maintain more consistent moisture levels and can reduce watering frequency significantly.
Fertilising
Container plants need regular feeding because nutrients wash out with repeated watering.
- Spring: Apply slow-release fertiliser as growth begins
- Summer: Monthly liquid feeds during flowering season
- Autumn/Winter: Stop fertilising as growth slows
Use fertilisers formulated for flowering plants (lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus and potassium) to promote blooms over foliage.
Repotting
Even with the best care, container crepe myrtles eventually need repotting:
- Frequency: Every 2-3 years for actively growing plants
- Signs it's time: Roots emerging from drainage holes, water running straight through, stunted growth
- Best time: Late winter, just before spring growth begins
Repotting Options
- Move up a size: Transplant to a pot one size larger with fresh potting mix.
- Root prune: If you can't go larger, remove the plant, trim 25% of roots from the outside of the root ball, and repot into the same container with fresh mix.
Winter Care
Container plants are more vulnerable to cold than in-ground plants because the roots aren't insulated by surrounding soil.
- Move containers against a warm wall during cold snaps
- Wrap pots with bubble wrap or hessian in frost-prone areas
- Reduce watering but don't let the mix dry out completely
- Mulch the soil surface for insulation
In most Australian climates, container crepe myrtles will sail through winter without special protection. Only in the coldest areas (alpine regions, Tasmania) might extra insulation be necessary.
With proper care, container-grown crepe myrtles provide years of spectacular colour for patios, balconies, and courtyards. Choose the right variety, provide consistent watering, and you'll enjoy all the beauty of crepe myrtles in even the smallest outdoor space.