Polk County Master Gardeners
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Pruning Crape Myrtles
Crape Myrtles are one of the true treasures in Southwestern Arkansas.
They bloom all summer; the peeling bark is attractive; fall color is stunning;
they come in sizes to fit almost any landscape spot. But one of their prime
virtues is that they are tough and will thrive almost anywhere they can get
enough sun.
Proper pruning can help you get the best from your crape myrtles. The first
step comes when you choose the type to plant. Dwarf plants will grow only 3 to 6
feet; semi-dwarfs will get up to 15 feet tall; tree types will go much higher.
Be sure to check out the space you have available before you choose a plant so
that you don’t end up with a tree you have to prune severely just to keep it
within bounds.
If you already have a crape myrtle growing where it does not have enough
room, you can either move it or you can cut it back severely each winter. If you
choose to cut back, you will lose the graceful shape that is one of crape
myrtle’s principal charms, but it will not kill a healthy plant.
If you have chosen a variety that will fit in the space available when full
grown, the only pruning necessary is to remove lateral limbs that are lower than
you want the plant to have, remove the succulent sprouts as they come up, and
remove dead blossoms to promote additional flowering.
When removing lateral limbs, be sure to make the cut cleanly close to the
main trunk to avoid insect damage. Pull the succulent sprouts instead of
cutting - this will require doing frequently so they don’t get too large to pull.
But, please, don’t top your crape myrtles. You will end up with heavy blooms
on spindling stems and you will lose the graceful shape that is a crape myrtle
trademark.
By Barbara M. Tobias
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