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photograph by : BA LaRue / Alamy Stock Photo .
Crape myrtle ( Lagerstroemia indica ) , also have it off as crepe paper myrtle , is grown for its elegant structure , vibrant flowers , brilliant nightfall leaf , and attractive bark , providing year - round interest to the landscape painting . Modern crape myrtles have been breed for disease ohmic resistance and profound structural form .
One of the most vernacular problems when growing crape myrtle is improper pruning . A frequent mistake is topping the tree down to thick-skulled stubs , a pruning method known as “ crape murder . ” This improper proficiency results in an unworthy structure and curb the attractive bark from suppurate , while newfangled growth shoots are spindly and too weak to hold blossom upright . This extreme pruning method strain and de-escalate plants , make them more susceptible to pests and disease , and shortening the life span of the works .
A crape myrtle that is lop aright will have an elegant modeled structure and uncompromising branches that allow flowers to grow upright , as well as an open canopy to showcases the attractive barque . If the right cultivar is chosen and placed correctly in the landscape , most trees will need very little pruning . Here are some pruning confidential information for crepe myrtle trees that will make a show - stopping effect in your landscape .
More onhow to grow & care for crape myrtle trees & bushes
CRAPE MYRTLE PRUNING GOALS
Goals of crape Vinca minor pruning include :
Aesthetic goals might also include creating a more open canopy , showcasing the decorative barque , and transfer spent seed capsules .
CRAPE MYRTLE PRUNING TOOLS
Here are the essential tools for pruning crape myrtle :
Make certain tools are sharp for exact cutting , and clear to prevent spread of disease . See more : Essential Pruning Tools .
WHEN TO PRUNE CRAPE MYRTLE
The best time to prune crape myrtle is in late wintertime or early spring before new growing emerge . Pruning subsequently can delay unfolding , or forfeit blooms for that growing time of year . Fall pruning can cause wintertime damage .
CRAPE MYRTLE PRUNING TIPS
right pruning is key to a beautiful crepe myrtle tree diagram . When reduce back crape myrtle plants , avoid harmful pruning practices such as over pruning , top-hole , or pruning at the improper time of class . crepe myrtles blossom on the current season ’s increment . Avoid remove more than 25 % of the flora in one pruning , which can do stress and stunted growth .
Remember the importance of choosing and sit your new plant ; modern crape myrtles take very little care when sited carefully . matured specimens need very little upkeep . Some gardeners favor to allow crepe myrtle to grow course into a shrubby works that requires little pruning . Encouraging prime involves introductory care , include regular urine and plant food .
HOW TO REVIVE AN IMPROPERLY PRUNED CRAPE MYRTLE
An improperly pruned crepe Vinca minor , also known as crape execution . pic by : 3000ad / Shutterstock
French pancake myrtle plants that have been clip into a stumpy use can be revived with severe pruning . Here are the steps to take :
