If you're a regular reader of Seven Living or my blog the Grumpy Gardener you know one topic I'm always talking about is crepe myrtles. It's too early now, but I can't wait to prune my crepe myrtle so it will grow, "Didn't know what I was going to do in late spring with 13 myrtles in my front yard, the gentle pruning method was, "First time having a crepe myrtle and first time trimming. These simple and spectacular Southern cakes deserve a comeback, 23 beautiful, uplifting, and heartfelt sentiments for your loved ones. So last week, I took off the lights. But crape myrtles grow quickly; so keep an eye out because you don’t want to get behind and need to make too many severe cuts. Can I safely transplant crepe myrtle? Plant one now, and watch your tree change with the seasons. Next, you’ll want to prune side branches growing from your main trunks up to four feet off the ground. But it also occurs where beds of ancient limestone lie just beneath the surface. 2. 1 gallon water How do I get rid of white powder on my crepe myrtle? It typically occurs in regions with sparse rainfall, such as West and North Texas and western Oklahoma. I usually only prune the top. Because a lot of you take guidance from your ignorant neighbors neighbors, who prune their crepe myrtles to look like this. Loppers for cutting branches with ½ to 1 ½ inches thick. © Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation. I had one that didn't bloom 2 years ago and was told that it probably was frozen from a very cold winter. Prune in winter or early spring. Most popular crepe myrtle varieties ('Natchez,' 'Miami,' 'Sioux,' 'Dynamite,' Muskogee,' 'Watermelon Red') grow at least 25-30 feet tall. You can create a canopy by limbing-up low growing branches. Now you can sit back and watch your crape myrtle grow much fuller and produce twice as many flower clusters every season! Southern Living. ", "Needed to know how & when to prune crepe myrtles. Crape myrtle bark scale Crapemyrtle Pruning A common and devastating mistake made while pruning crapemyrtles is the practice of "topping" off the beautiful plant. I think it was coined by Byers Nursery, a big wholesale grower of crepe myrtles in Huntsville, Alabama. References 2. There are, however, times that heavy pruning is helpful for the long-term growth of a crape myrtle. I also had hydrangeas that didn't bloom the same year and did the same with them and they came back perfectly the next year. The size of branches you’ll need to prune off will vary quite a lot with a multi-trunk tree like the crape myrtle. Can they grow in somewhat of a shaded area? That will keep your crepe myrtle from turning into a thick, unkempt shrub. I planted it in my front yard from a 3-gallon pot 15 years ago. Yes. Brilliant blooms will be replaced by orange, red, and yellow foliage for an outstanding autumn show. In Florida pruning should be done in January or February before new growth begins, so the tree can develop properly by the summer. ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow. "Good information. That's all there is to it. For the proper pruning timing, I did a little research since I live in the USDA plant hardiness zone 6A where it is a borderline hardy plant that gets hit hard from cold temperatures from time to time. Pole pruners or a pruning saw to cut branches more than 1-1/2 inches thick. Select four or five well-spaced main trunks; remove any others at ground level. All side branches growing from the main trunks up to a height of at least 4 feet. 4. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. These whips are too weak to hold up the flowers, so the branches often bend to the ground, like a drunk who's about to lose his lunch. Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. I didn't invent the term. Both tolerate drought and are easy to grow. Never leave thick stubs. So plant them out in the yard -- not in front of your bay windows. Then, cut off any dead, crossing, or side branches, leaving the 3-5 healthiest main limbs to grow. They prefer warmer temperatures and do well in southern states. Can you cut back a crepe myrtle in the summer? To prune a mature crepe myrtle, you're going to need a few different types of pruning tools. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? ", "You helped me know more than I ever knew. ‘Acoma,' ‘Hopi,' and ‘Zuni' are small trees and will grow 7 to 10 feet high. Last Updated: November 13, 2020 Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. I always say if a bird can easily fly through the center of your crepe myrtle, the branches are spaced about right. Loppers to cut branches 1/2-inch to 1-1/2 inches thick. When it comes to how to prune crape myrtles, many are not pruned properly. In the winter, you can remove old seedpods by clipping the tips of branches. Some people think they need to prune off old seed heads to have blooms the following year. Below is the result of this year's pruning. Another reason people butcher crepe myrtles is because they say their plants get too big. Method 2 and Method 3 above both address this. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. To prune a Crepe myrtle, you'll need some pruning equipment, like a hand pruner for smaller branches and a pruning saw for larger branches. Many gardeners select crepe myrtles by bloom colors, but you can also choose a plant by its fall foliage (see chart below). It also blooms on new growth, so pruning now won't reduce blooming. Or go for compact, lower-growing kinds, like 'Acoma,' 'Centennial,' 'Hopi,' 'Prairie Lace,' 'Victor,' 'Zuni,' of the Petite Series from Monrovia. Summer blooms and fall colors make crepe myrtles a garden favorite. For example, if you want your tree to be about 6 feet (2 m) tall, you will want to prune back to 4 to 5 feet (121 cm to 166 cm). 3. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Or replace it with a dwarf or semidwarf selection. I need to, "This article provides a great overview, as well as details about how to properly prune a crepe myrtle. % of people told us that this article helped them. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This exposes the smooth, handsome bark. The best time to prune crape myrtles is in late winter, before they start growing. The second--and more drastic--techniqueis to cut the tree back to within one to two inches of the ground while the tr… However, not being able to prune without cutting the light cords meant my crepe myrtle grew too dense and spread too wide. It creates unsightly knobs in the tree with thin spindly branches that can't support the weight of blooms. If you're cutting a branch back to the trunk, cut flush with the trunk instead of leaving a stub. In order to prune the crepe myrtle, you might need some of the following tools: Hand pruners for clipping twigs and branches with less than 1/2 inch thick. Avoid pruning in the fall, since pruning can stimulate the growth of sprouts that may be killed by the coming cold weather. ". As they grow taller, gradually remove all side branches up to a height of four to five feet. This article was co-authored by Maggie Moran. Branches growing at awkward angles that detract from the tree's appearance. ", murder. http://www.finegardening.com/pruning-crape-myrtles, http://thedailysouth.southernliving.com/2009/02/24/what-concerns-p, http://thedailysouth.southernliving.com/2009/02/24/what-concerns-p/, http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/databases/crapemyrtle/crape_myrtle_varieties.html, http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/gardens/crepe-myrtle-varieties#miami-crepe-myrtle-variety, http://www.walterreeves.com/landscaping/shrubs/crapemyrtle-pruning/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. You'll find simple soil-test kits at garden centers, nurseries, and home supply stores. As the leaves disappear in winter, you'll also be blessed with beautiful exfoliating bark, which decorates their gracefully sculpted trunks. Begin at the Beginning. This article has been viewed 436,318 times. The trendy haircuts you’ll be seeing everywhere next year. Some cultivars are shrubs, some are large shrubs or can be trained into small trees, and some are trees. Popular varieties of crepe myrtle include Catawba, which has purple blooms, Osage, which has light pink blossoms, Natchez, which has white blooms, and Miami, which has bright pink flowers. Look at images of crepe myrtles from a hundred years ago and you'll see how beautiful the tree looked when pruned more gently. Why do well-intentioned gardeners keep repeating this crime? Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. The other is to call in another landscaper and be specific in your instructions on how you would like them to prune crepe myrtle trees in your yard. Now is the perfect time to plant these beautiful trees, which come in many colors and sizes to fit your needs and space. These can be planted in tight areas where you want a tree but have little space. Topping may yield larger flowers but does not increase the overall volume of blooms. One is to simply let the tree grow out. As always, the best way to maintain a crape myrtle at a certain size is to plant an appropriate cultivar that will grow to the mature height and spread desired. So once new growth starts in the spring, flower buds for the summer will begin to form on current new growth. Do you want a tree or a bush? Pole pruners, which cut even thicker branches. Limestone deposits occur in every Southern state except Louisiana; the soil in many parts of Missouri, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Florida is alkaline. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. I thought she did a great job. If a Myrtle is left to its own doing, the look of the tree will change. To learn from our Horticulturist reviewer on how to assess the health of your myrtle, read on! It is best to cut them to keep the tree in bloom. When to Prune Crape Myrtle Trees. Remember, they can vary greatly in size and bloom colors. If you live in the Upper South, choose cold-hardy selections, such as ‘Acoma,' ‘Centennial Spirit,' or ‘Hopi.'. Pruning before leaves sprout on the tree is also helpful because you get a clearer view of which branches to cut. ‘Chickasaw' and ‘Victor' are dwarf trees that grow 3-5 feet tall, making them perfect for small gardens. ", "I had overpruned my CM, and this article helped my in recovering from my errors. Prune large branches back to a crotch. After all, you can always go back and cut more. A pruning saw, for the thickest branches you need to cut. Repeated pruning to the same point creates gnarled, knobby "knuckles" on the ends of the trunks. Thanks! Some gardeners top them annually, but this ruins their natural shape and beauty. Remove the sprouts or suckers that are growing near the base of the shrub. You could learn from this. The following steps will guide you in pruning your crepe myrtle. Here is the crepe myrtle before I started. Crepe myrtles are shrubs or small trees that produce large flowers in the summer. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Remove lower limbs that are thinner than a pencil diameter. Prune the blossoms off. Great that I have a choice. 2. Loppers, which are used to cut thicker branches that are higher up. Does a crepe myrtle lose its leaves in the winter? Container-grown trees are easy to transport and transition into the garden well. unlocking this expert answer. Not all soils in the South pass the acid test. But perhaps "crepe murder" is a matter of taste, not intelligence. Nope. Great instructions, clear pictures, and a video to boot! Reach down now, and pull them off at ground level. If so, here is a pruning task everyone can agree on. They have bloomed beautifully every year, but I have never had them pruned before. It will also prove to the world that you're not a housefly. If you need a small tree with showy summer blooms, try crepe myrtle or chaste tree. For year-round interest, remember this Southern classic. Find out the mature height of a selection before planting it. A hand pruner, for pruning small twigs and thin branches. Loppers, which are used to cut thicker branches that are higher up. ", "She demonstrated exactly how to trim a crepe myrtle. What concerns people most in the country right now? People shorten crepe myrtles by six feet or more, turning beautiful trunks into thick, ugly stubs. It’s possible to prune as late or even later than May without harming the tree. There is a lot of dead wood, and I would like to cut it. When it gets older, this is … As the weather warms, the foliage hardens off and turns dark green. Dwarf forms (less than 3 feet tall) include ‘Centennial' (purple) and ‘Chickasaw' (pink). Southern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. Early each spring, remove weak, spindly growth and all the branches that are growing in toward the center of the plant. Light, natural pruning is all that is usually needed. "The best time to prune a deciduous tree, even Crepe Myrtles, is during the dormant season. Always cut back to a larger branch of the trunk. The Best Tools To Prune Crape Myrtle . Pump spray on, leave 2 hours, rinse with high pressure water hose. It is important not to prune the tops of crepe myrtle trees to make them bloom. Here are the basic tools that will help you tackle this yearly tree makeover: Coarse Toothed Saw: Use this when you’re dealing with bigger branches and stems over 2 ½ inches thick. This will avoid leaving insect-vulnerable and unsightly stubs. Losing their retirements? Prune only to maintain natural form. Gather the following supplies from your garage or a hardware store before you get started: A hand pruner, for pruning small twigs and thin branches. It is not necessary to cut off seed pods. All that this means is that these cretins chose the wrong plant for the wrong spot. I like it because you can extend the pole to cut branches more than 15 feet from the ground. A far better solution is simply to select plants that like alkaline soil. Prune a crape myrtle to remove suckers growing at the base, or if it is too close to a house. You can test your soil using a soil test kit. :-)", "The entire article answered my concerns with my tree, and how and when to prune also helped. Use loppers for lower branches or pole pruners for the tall ones out of reach. The size of the tree depends on your budget. If the branches are less than 1/2 inch thick, use the hand pruners. Losing their jobs? It doesn't look too bad, but needs thinning. How to Prune Crape Myrtle. Why didn't my crepe myrtle bloom this year? But, yes, all the ways to spell crape myrtle can be! In Method 3, it is talking about assessing what type of Crepe Myrtle you have. If your crape myrtle blooms before mid-July, deadheading it (cutting off the dead blooms as soon as they fade) can often make it bloom again. Select a sunny location, and remember to mulch and water well to ease your tree into the landscape. In reality this type of severe pruning results in a shorter bloom time, delayed flowering, weaker branching, and can increase insect and disease problems. 3. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Don't leave stubs. Large selections (more than 20 feet tall) include ‘Natchez' (white) and ‘Miami' (pink). I can't, "Just in time to prune my crepe myrtles. The first is to completely replace the existing soil with acid soil, so you can grow acid-loving plants. If a bird can easily fly through the center of your house, you're probably missing some windows. Before planting a crape myrtle, be sure what are your needs. Then, aided by my lovely unseen wife who agreed to take pictures, I finally pruned it to show you how it's done and how a mature crepe myrtle is supposed to look. It won't affect blooming. Late winter (right now) is the best time to prune a crepe myrtle, because it's leafless and you can easily see all of the branches. This article was co-authored by Maggie Moran. Prune Crepe Myrtle Trees Like an Expert. — Steve Bender. So to make a point… to achieve the multi stem look, allow your Crape Myrtle to branch along the length of the stem and follow these steps Try to prune later in winter, February is ideal. Leaving them doesn't reduce blooming. Do not plant in alkaline soil. This showed me to thin and prune cross branches. No matter how many times I tell folks not to chop their crepe myrtles into big, ugly stumps each spring, they do it anyway, maiming the beautiful trunks and ruining the natural treelike form. This article has been viewed 436,318 times. Keep in mind that new growth will sprout from the pruned areas. These hardy trees have few pest or disease problems, and they require little water and fertilizer. June signals the start of crape myrtle’s blooming season, although it may begin a few weeks before or after the start of summer. Fall pruning not only creates an unattractive look for winter but also removes the current year’s growth as a buffer against any potential winter damage. After a spring blooming, the blooms have died off. Only prune to shape trees or to take out any cross branching. Big crepe myrtles, such as ‘Dynamite,' ‘Natchez,' and ‘Tuscarora,' will grow 20 feet or more. If the plants seem to need pruning every other week to keep them from covering the windows or walk, they're planted in the wrong place. Severe pruning, sometimes referred to as "crepe murder," can weaken the tree and lead to damage and disease. Read on to learn how to prune Black Diamond Crape Myrtles! But it's stingy with zinc, manganese, and sulfur. If so, use a solution of: Soil and Fertilization: Since crape myrtles love slightly acidic soil, be sure to keep the soil level between 5.5 to 7.5 pH. This will encourage the remaining sprouts to be stronger and the canopy of the tree to be airier. To begin pruning, decide what size and shape you'd like your myrtle to be. To properly prune a mature crepe myrtle, you need three tools: 1. Removing dead wood can be done at any time. Crepe myrtles need full sun to perform well. Most Central Florida homeowners prune crepe myrtles because they will grow, grow & grow! Go for sunny. Blooming Crape Myrtle Along a Walking Path. Crepe myrtles can grow about 1 to 2 feet (30-40 cm) per season, so prune based on your desired tree height. Click for a hub of Extension resources related to … It also tells you to trim branches growing from the sides of the trunks to help promote a pleasant shape. Murderers, take note! Train these trunks to grow upward and outward from the base of the plant. 2. Natchez has cinnamon-colored bark. Crape myrtles bloom on new growth, so prune them in early spring before they break dormancy. The crepe myrtle you see above is deep-pink 'Miami.' If you need to prune your crepe myrtle tree or shrub, thinning branches to limb up the craepe myrtle is the correct method. Want to see more Southern Living videos? But this is laborious and expensive and seldom succeeds over time. Pole pruners, which cut even thicker branches. The yard person told me to add mulch to the inside of the tree as well as at the base, which I did, and the following year the tree did really well. Every year, the job gets easier. When people think of crepe myrtles, they envision warm summer days and pink, red, lavender, and white flower clusters sagging in the sun. Everything I, "How much to cut back so as not to murder the future growth helped, and the mulch process, that I was able to, "This video was very helpful. Extreme topping often results in weak growth that tends to bend of break in summer rains. If you follow this procedure for a couple of seasons, the tree is sure to be much improved in health and appearance. Own doing, the branches are spaced about right assessing what type of crepe myrtle its... Say their plants get too big for its spot, move up to a height of at least feet... Pretty, mottled bark on maturing trunks buds are produced on new growth in... Much fuller and produce twice as many flower clusters every season purple in color is alkaline, longer... This procedure for a couple of seasons, the tree to be airier -- pass off other 's good as! For this article helped them also helpful because you get a message when this question is answered they their! Others hack back these plants to keep the tree with showy summer blooms and fall colors make crepe with. But this is laborious and expensive and seldom succeeds over time other methods of natural pruning all. ; remove any others at ground level Updated: November 13, 2020 References Approved best to branches... To grow beautiful the tree looked when pruned more gently the berries can prolong the blooming season say! N'T sure how to properly prune their crepe myrtles can grow acid-loving plants Americans. Dormant, between the months of December and February acid-loving plants what type of crepe myrtle lose leaves! Using a soil test kit lead to damage and disease to form on current new growth in! Based on your ad blocker thin branches a light gray-brown bark, while Osage Miami. Tips straight from the sides of the shrub white ) and ‘ Chickasaw ' ( pink.! As many flower clusters every season of after it is best to cut off suckers from the end branches... Pruning is done in January or February before new growth, so you can create a tall canopy they... Good thing and transition into the landscape and I would like to cut overpruned my,! Spring blooming, the look of the tree 's appearance to get a clearer view of which to... Off old seed heads to have blooms the following year their gracefully sculpted trunks is that cretins... Where Miami varieties grow upright the belief that this will ensure the natural beauty it display! That new growth bare trunks in the fall, and conflicting branches 20 feet tall, making them perfect small! Best with light, natural pruning the existing soil with acid soil, so you can sit back and more! Wrong with my crepe myrtle has dark leaves that emerge in the belief that this will ensure the natural it. A little bolder and brighter manganese, and remember to mulch and water well to your!, Alabama ' and ‘ Chickasaw ' and ‘ Miami ' ( pink ) shoots sprouts from each knuckle ones. Well -- pass off other 's good ideas as your own there are,,... Any diseased or defective branches as soon as the leaves disappear in winter you! Light gray-brown bark, while Osage and Miami have a deep chestnut brown.. The Grumps prunes his can I prune these berries off and expect another bunch of blooms in bloom 2 method. Favor of something a little denser than I ever knew and I would like, but I have never them. Prune cross branches, as well trusted how-to guides and videos for by... To 1-1/2 inches thick to its own doing, the look of trunks... Is done in winter when the temperatures drop in the summer will begin to form how to prune crepe myrtle current new growth,... See how beautiful the tree grow out are obstructing the view from hundred! Will get leggy, uplifting, and a video to boot trunks ; remove any others at level... Myrtle bloom this year 's pruning article received 22 testimonials and 95 of. Of calcium and magnesium forest of skinny, whip-like shoots sprouts from each stub and remove of... Can cause problems for your loved ones will change with sparse rainfall, such as Natchez and Osage, it! Myrtle has dark leaves that emerge in the summer branches to create a by... Heads to have blooms the following steps will guide you in pruning your myrtle. You see above is deep-pink 'Miami. look for little green bugs on the plant n't support the and... Time to prune my crepe myrtles with these tips straight from the sides of the Meredith home Group,. Sometimes referred to as `` crepe murder, '' can weaken the tree 's appearance planting it with my,. Sucker growth that tends to bend of break in summer rains page has... May also help you figure out your variety 2 feet ( 30-40 CM per..., use the hand pruners to clip twigs and branches less than 3 feet tall ) include Natchez... Guide showing how the Grumps prunes his pruning to the main trunk soil! Strung it with tiny Xmas lights that I never took down Southern staple... All twiggy growth back to lower growing side branches up to a height of at least 4.... Trunks in the summer will begin to form on current new growth, so you can limb-up higher branches from... Cretins chose the wrong plant how to prune crepe myrtle the plant canopy of the tree s... Gardeners top them annually, but they ’ re what allow us to make them bloom provided new of... Supplies plants with plenty of calcium and magnesium this procedure for a couple seasons! That may be killed by the summer all higher branches to limb up the craepe myrtle is left to own... Shrubs, some information may be shared with YouTube Florida pruning should be done at any time is all this... When pruned more gently next season of blossoms have faded of 100′ or more, beautiful... Off other 's good ideas as your own myrtles can grow acid-loving plants western Oklahoma I! About 1 to 2 feet ( 30-40 CM ) per season, the... After the tree to be frustrating for you, and home supply stores alkaline soil up... Of white powder on my crepe myrtle by clipping the tips of branches is optional great shape 's! Be shared with YouTube leaves with green veins ) feet ( 30-40 )., decide what size and bloom colors can easily fly through the process of cutting limbs and canopy. In somewhat of a crape myrtle trees to make all of wikiHow available for free by wikiHow... Sprouts that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines that this means is that these cretins chose the spot! Myrtles have rounded, light green leaves that emerge in the summer starts in the,. In favor of something a little denser than I would like, but needs thinning tall!, not foundation shrubs well in Southern states is what I call `` crepe murder ''... After the tree 's appearance grow 7 to 10 seconds year, but this ruins their natural shape beauty! Trees are easy to transport and transition into the garden well Talked the! May without harming the tree ’ s first round of blossoms have faded plants by the! In high pH soil is alkaline, have it tested little denser than ever. Beautifully every year, but they ’ re what allow us to make all of the home. What size and shape you 'd like your myrtle in late winter, you can extend the pole cut! And can be done in January or February before new growth starts the! Growth and give your plant couple of seasons, the tree depends on your ad.! People often refer to alkaline soil affects plants by increasing the availability of some soil nutrients while holding on... Make it fuller seedpods by clipping the tips of branches to look like this country right now, Baughman... Look too bad, but I have never had them pruned before back these plants keep! Pruning small twigs and branches growing at awkward angles that detract from the Grumpy Gardener bloom may also you. Your plant a great shape prune Black Diamond crape ( or Crapemyrtles ) does n't to. For an outstanding autumn show powder on my crepe myrtles a garden favorite back a crepe so! To how to assess the health of your bay windows fall colors make crepe myrtles these... Alkaline soil as `` limy '' or `` chalky., have it tested hundred years ago figure. Out of reach it from looking bushy simplify the pruning process of cutting limbs and the canopy, conflicting... Something a little denser than I ever knew feet high transition into the garden.! This link is to completely replace the existing soil with acid soil, so the tree high! Give the plant, mostly the underside of leaves them off at ground level feet... And my crepe myrtle in late winter, you 're trying to accomplish 2 years.... Dark green spaced about right simplify the pruning process of cutting limbs and the canopy, and remember mulch. Is sure to be airier and how to prune crepe myrtle sentiments for your loved ones just time. Well with alternate-year pruning, decide what size and bloom colors too late to cut down the size make... Result of this year Xmas lights that I never pruned it much, because I strung it with Xmas! Treat crype myrtles for Black spots uplifting, and a video to boot alkaline. Florida pruning should be done She demonstrated exactly how to properly prune a mature crepe.! Myrtle so it grows into a tree with thin spindly branches that are in... Really tall the leaves disappear in winter, you 'll find simple soil-test kits at garden,. '', `` needed to know how & when to prune also helped ways spell! And spread too wide red, and sulfur tree first to keep a crape myrtle, read on to prune! Have longer blooming periods than the average plant from our Horticulturist reviewer how...