Question
I started a couple of dwarf crepe mrytles from seed. I live in New York.  Didn't know much about them. In the fall, the leaves turned color, then dropped.  the plants looked dead.  Did some research and learned they go dormant in winter.  I had planned to bring them in for the winter in any event as I did not think they would survive the cold here. I brought them in, but in the room I placed them, I guess there was too much light and warm as they have sprouted leaves on top of what is the only stem, so I have about a six inch single twig with leaves on the top.  Its only the end of November now.  I need to find out shat I should do.  Do I find a cooler and darker spot for them for the winter?  Let them grow?  Should I cut them back first? If so, how much?  there is only one main trunk not fatter than a heavy toothpick in diameter right now.  thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi John,
Thanx for your question.  You are correct in that the dwarf crape myrtle will go dormant in the fall being a deciduous tree.  Generally, these trees are hardy to zone 6 although some will survive in the southern portions of zone 5.  This means the plant requires a domancy period and a certain amount of hours at temperatures of 40癋 in order to grow properly.  Bringing them indoors is not recommended as they will eventually expend themselves.  It's not the light that is making them grow but the warmth.  If you can place the pot in an unheated garage or basement, this would be best.  Water the pot once a week to keep it from drying out completely.  Depending upon where you live in New York, you may be able to grow the shrub outdoors next spring.  Long Island and SE New York have climates that are temperate enough for crape myrtles.  I live in Kansas City and most of the crape myrtles here grow like shrubs or small trees.  I hope this helps.
Tom