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Cut off suckers from the bottom, rubbing and cross growing branches and branches growing inward. Gradually cut off all side branches from the main base as the tree gets taller. Never leave lone or clustered stubs. Be sure to remove unwanted branches before they get too thick (thickness of a pencil).
When should crepe myrtles be pruned?
February is a good time to prune crape myrtles. It should be done before fresh growth appears in March. Its toughness makes crape myrtle a popular plant. They are fast-growing and highly adaptable.
How far back can you cut a crape myrtle?
Cut all the way back. I like branching to begin 6 to 8 feet off the ground because it looks better and is more practical. If you don’t need to walk under the branches or see through them to view oncoming traffic, you can allow the branching to start lower.
Why are my crepe myrtles not blooming?
If no flowers appear, it can be because the tree was pruned late in the season, mistakenly removing the new wood which causes the buds for the flowers to never really develop. Never prune a crape myrtle BEFORE it blooms.
Can I cut my crepe myrtle to the ground?
Crepe myrtles will grow back when cut, although it isn’t necessary to prune them all the way down to the ground.
Can you cut a crepe myrtle below the knot?
Cutting crepe myrtle knots doesn’t resolve the problem. If you cut below the knot, a new knot forms in its place. The tree never reverts to its naturally beautiful shape, but through proper pruning of a crepe myrtle tree, you may be able to make the knots less noticeable.
Can you trim crepe myrtles in April?
Dormancy continues into March and sometimes April. By May, crape myrtles are showing new growth and beginning to set buds for flowers. Limit aesthetic pruning to March or early April, cutting only those branches that do not yet show new growth. Cutting new growth at this time decreases the summer’s flower production.
Are coffee grounds good for crepe myrtle?
The answer is yes! Coffee grounds make an excellent ground mulch, especially for acid-loving plants.
What is the best fertilizer for crape myrtles?
Then, to maximize spring growth and summer bloom, fertilize crape myrtles in early spring just prior to new growth. Fertilizers including 8-8-8, 10-10-10, 12-4-8 or 16-4-8 will work fine and are ideal for crape myrtles, but don’t go overboard.
Do crepe myrtles need lime?
Crape myrtles like a soil pH of 6.0-6.5. This is considered slightly acid. You can lower the soil pH with sulfur products and raise the pH with lime products. But always do this based on the results of a soil test.
How do you straighten a crepe myrtle?
If the trunks of the tree are leaning you can gather them closer together (not too close) and tie a rope loosely around to straighten them up more vertically. Just don’t tie a trunk directly to stake that runs up and along the trunk as this will weaken them.
What month is late winter?
When is Late Winter? Late winter is 4 to 6 weeks before spring thaw begins. This could be any time in January to May, depending on your climate.
Do deer eat crepe myrtles?
From the article at the link – Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) come in a variety of different hybrids with bright, lacy flower clusters in the summer. Though the hungriest deer will eat plants not characteristic of its regular diet, deer will seldom eat any variety of crape myrtle.
Are eggshells and coffee grounds good for plants?
While we may consider them to be trash, they provide a healthy snack for plants offering a one-two punch of nitrogen and calcium. The duo of used coffee grounds and eggshells are also helpful as mulch, an asset that liquid or powdered commercial fertilizer can’t offer.
How much water does a crape myrtle tree need?
For best growth and production, crape myrtles should receive at least one inch of water a week. During dry spells, water is mandatory. If not properly watered during dry spells, flowers may be mitigated. Keep at least 4 feet around the shrub clear of grass and weeds, for less competition for water.
How do you keep crepe myrtles blooming?
If you have an older crepe myrtle that doesn’t bloom the way you think it should, wait until after crepe myrtle bloom time and encourage the crepe myrtle bloom by pruning it carefully. If you trim away any of the dead branches that are inside the tree, this allows more sunshine and air to reach the tree.
Should you deadhead crepe myrtle trees?
Many varieties of crape myrtles can be encouraged to bloom a second time, but timing is important. Deadheading crape myrtles (removing dead or dying flowers) encourages new sprouts and blooms, but if you deadhead too late in the season, the tender new growth that is produced can be damaged by cold weather.
What kind of soil do crape myrtles like?
Crape myrtle tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay. They prefer a well- drained but moist soil. Crape Myrtle grow best in an acid to slightly acid soil ranging from 5.0 to 6.5 on the pH scale. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
