How to Prune a Crape Myrtle
Here are some small green plant maintenance tips on how to prune a crape myrtle, let's learn about it together.
How to Prune a Crape Myrtle
The best time to prune a crape myrtle is after the blooming period, cutting the main branches by 10-15 centimeters to make the overall appearance aesthetically pleasing and coordinated. If there are overlapping branches, the poorer ones should be cut to improve light penetration. After pruning, more branches will grow, and since it has a flowering habit at the branch tips, pruning can promote growth and result in more flowers. Note that you should not prune during the flowering period of a crape myrtle.
When to Prune a Crape Myrtle
Usually, the pruning time for a crape myrtle is before repotting, so when repotting in spring, it's convenient to prune the foliage as well. At this time, the temperature is suitable for quick healing of the wounds.
Crape myrtles are generally propagated by cuttings in May to June, which is when they easily root. Choose strong-growing plants, cut into branches of 10-15 centimeters, wipe the white sap dry from the wound, apply garden lime for disinfection, use river sand or peat soil as the substrate, make a hole in the surface of the potting soil, insert the cutting, water thoroughly, and place it in a shaded area. Roots will form in 50-60 days.
Pruning the Foliage of a Crape Myrtle
When pruning a crape myrtle, it is necessary to do so according to its growth form, pruning away the crossing and overgrown branches to clear the plant's space and allow for good ventilation.
In the seedling stage, it is good to shape the main framework of a crape myrtle, which means pruning out its main structural branches. When the plant grows new branches, you can use tools to tie and shape it into a round vertical shape or other shapes.
Pruning Techniques for a Crape Myrtle
Crape myrtles have a flowering habit at the branch tips, and pruning can promote growth and result in more flowers. Most pruning is done in the growth peak season, 6-7 months after the flowering period.
The best time to prune a crape myrtle is after the flowering period, pruning the excess and uneven branches. After pruning, more branches will grow, and the more you prune, the more branches will grow.
Pruning a Crape Myrtle to Bloom
Crape myrtles generally start to germinate in spring, and pruning should start before germination to help the plant's bud differentiation and promote more blooming.
Things to Consider When Pruning a Crape Myrtle
Do not prune during the flowering period of a crape myrtle. After flowering, cut the main branches by 10-15 centimeters to make the overall appearance aesthetically pleasing and coordinated. If there are overlapping branches, the poorer ones should be cut to improve light penetration.
This article shares specific content on how to prune a crape myrtle, for everyone's reference and operation.