After moving recently to Zone 7, Upstate SC, last fall I planted 10 crepe myrtles along my drive. They were well cared for after planting and kept mulched over the winter. This spring, all the stalks seem to be dead with no sign of green under the skin at all. However, under the mulch at the base of the shrubs, are sprouts and new leaves appearing. Does this mean the 5 foot tall plants of last fall have all died above ground but new growth is coming from the roots? Should I remove all the dead wood above ground?
Al
Al