When is it appropriate to prune a potted crape myrtle
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When is it appropriate to prune a potted crape myrtle
Generally, pruning crape myrtle in winter is more appropriate. When pruning, complex branches or diseased and dead branches can be pruned clean, ensuring the plant's canopy is neat. Watering should be controlled before and after pruning. The soil should not be overly moist during pruning, and good ventilation is required after pruning, avoiding direct sunlight.
The benefits of pruning a potted crape myrtle
The flowers of a potted crape myrtle mainly bloom on the current year's branches. By taking advantage of this characteristic and ensuring proper care and sufficient nutrients, multiple prunings can be done to achieve the goal of multiple blooms, a method known as "successive pruning."
The pruning time for a potted crape myrtle
Generally, pruning crape myrtle in winter is more appropriate. Complex branches or diseased and dead branches can be pruned clean to ensure the plant's canopy is neat.
How many times should a potted crape myrtle be pruned?
A potted crape myrtle can be pruned six times. In winter, severe pruning can be done based on the shape required. In early April, when new shoots grow to more than 10 centimeters, half of them can be cut. Branches that affect the appearance should also be pruned.
By June, flower buds will slowly form, and one of the double branches can be removed. In July, the branches that have bloomed should be pruned promptly. In early August, after the flowers fade, they should also be pruned. By late August, the third bloom will also welcome pruning of the faded branches.
Propagating a potted crape myrtle through pruning
A potted crape myrtle is suitable for pruning propagation before spring germination. Choose strong branches, 15-20 centimeters long, and insert them into a cultivation medium mixed with garden soil, peat, and river sand in equal proportions, then water once.
Pruning methods for a potted crape myrtle
1. Winter pruning: After the crape myrtle has fully entered dormancy, a heavy pruning can be performed. Dead, diseased, and weak branches can be pruned to reduce nutrient consumption. For trees with good natural conditions, one-year-old branches can be cut close to the trunk, leaving only 2-3 strong branches as the mother branches for the new shoots next year.
2. Spring pruning: Crape myrtle has a strong germination ability, producing many new buds in spring. To ensure an elegant tree shape and reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests, it is necessary to perform bud pruning, which should be done at least three times, with a 7-10 day interval.
3. Summer and autumn pruning: This can effectively extend the blooming period. It is generally done about 10 days before the start of autumn, shortening the current year's flowering branches to leave only 2-3 buds at the base, allowing new flowers to bloom. After pruning, ensure the plant grows in a well-ventilated and sunlit environment.
Precautions for pruning a potted crape myrtle
A potted crape myrtle should be pruned frequently, but watering should be controlled before and after pruning. The soil should not be overly moist, as this can cause root rot. Good ventilation should be maintained after pruning, and direct sunlight should be avoided.
The above is a complete introduction to when it is appropriate to prune a potted crape myrtle, for everyone to learn and understand!