I have a small dwarf crape myrtle that I potted 2 years ago. It is kind of scraggly but I was hoping that once it "took" it would start improving. It is now coming out of dormancy. Many of the new leaves are curling up and many buds on the plant are extremely small. I live in the Southern California desert and by the time July rolls around I shade it with an umbrella. My real concern is why the brand new leaves are curling up.

We had a thread about this last summer that you should check out. I think your answer is there.

The thread "crape myrtle's leaves curling" in Ask a Question forum

Thanks Dave,
I read through that entire thread and it appeared to be in reference to full size crape myrtles planted in the ground. And apparently they were planted too close to a wall or building. Didn't seem to apply to my situation.

If that potting soil is 2 years old, I would refresh it by repotting it into entirely new fresh potting soil. I would go so far as remove all the old potting soil and hose off the roots of the plant before putting it back in. I'd probably also do quite a bit of selective pruning to remove some of the growth to prompt it to make new branches.

Thanks for the quick reply. I can do that but is it safe now that the plant is no longer dormant?

No, actually, it does apply. A potted plant in the desert. The roots are being cooked.

It's not that hot right now and the new leaves are just opening up.

I would do the repotting right away. But that's just me.

The fact that it's out of dormancy is one reason why I suggest a light trimming afterwards, to help it recover. After you repot it, give it plenty of water so that it flows through the hole (you do have good drainage in that pot, I assume!)

Thanks Dave,

I'll give it a try. Probably half the soil in the pot has been in the pot with other plants. I have used Miracle Grow and Bayer systemic fertilizer and pest control for trees and shrubs. I will try your suggestion and let you know how things turn out.