You can build a wire cage and stuff it full of anything- straw, leaves, etc. Just remember that it will pack down and you'll need to add more mid winter.
All that limits you is the size of your tree.

I think this past winter scared us all- I have multiple old Crape Myrtles in my neighborhood, so clearly they usually survive.
Don't freak out and feel like you have to cage everything just because one winter went wonky.

I think that if we learned anything it would be to site them a bit more carefully and make sure they are somewhat protected from winter winds.

This post was edited by cearbhaill on Sun, Jun 15, 14 at 8:42

Cearbhaill, I really would love for you to tell me, how was the wi nter of 2013-2014 so much worse than other winters in the past 8-10 winters ago?

My seven-son-flower shrub has surprised me and cracked. There are leaves in the upper area, but the trunk is cracked, ready to fall on the ground. I just may replace it with a Crepe.

Sorry guys, I just realized how stupid my post was. Seven -son-flower shrub is supposed to be hardier than Crepe Myrtle. poaky1

I haven't tried to establish tree crepes here in zone 6a. I have multiple crepe shrubs. In mild winters most of the wood survives and sprouts new growth in spring. The past couple of winters with lows down in the minus-teens, everything dies back to the ground.

Under good growing conditions, there are still plenty of flowers.

I have a feeling that the right cultivar and careful siting are what are needed to establish tree forms in marginal climates.

There is a Burgundy colored Crepe Myrtle at a Lowe's here, the tag says zone 6. My Seven sons flower is disappointing, I may get rid of it, and possibly try the Burgundy Crepe, can't remember the name of it.

Poaky

You could put a light bulb, enclosed in a cage of course, under the tree on

The worst days/nights, a wire cage stuffed with straw, first.

My friend has one in her front yard here in z5 need to find out what kind.

Here are some pics.

First pic is Catawba.

2nd pic is Catawba with two Dynamite Red

Third is the Dwarf Hopi

I'm in zone 6 and never had had to protect my crape myrtles. They are HARDY!

Audrey, what varieties do you have? Also, what lows have yours done great through? I have seen -12F as a low since I have been watching low temps here in SW Pa, also, where are you? My area has seen MUCH lower than -12F BUT not for a good while. IF you don't want to get too specific about where you are just tell me what your Crapes have seen as a low. This past winter was a zone 7b winter for me, very rare. Thanks for your reply :)