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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.
What month do you prune crepe myrtle trees?
When to Prune? If you do choose to prune your crepe myrtles, pruning should take place in mid-February to avoid winter injury. Pruning should be done only to shape the tree; not to severely control plant height. Pruning is also not necessary for blooming.
What happens if you don’t trim crepe myrtles?
Leaving it alone will result in a pretty raggedy-looking tree, and it won’t grow as quickly either. The new growth will emerge on its own from the fresh cuts, and if you trim at just the right point, you’ll encourage way more blooms to appear.
Should crepe myrtle trees be cut back?
Though many people plant crape myrtles, few people prune them correctly. Correct pruning yields gracefully shaped trees with more blooms that are held upright on strong stems. Crape myrtles bloom on new growth, so prune them in early spring before they break dormancy.
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.
Can you cut back a crepe myrtle in the summer?
Pruning crepe myrtles in summer is not the optimal time of year to trim your trees, unless you wait until after they bloom. Floridata notes that some cultivars continue to bloom for as long as 120 days, making this tree or large shrub a popular landscape plant.
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.
How do you trim a crape myrtle for winter?
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).
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.
Should crepe myrtles be topped?
Topping a crape myrtle destroys the natural balance and beauty of the tree. Improperly trimmed multi-trunk crape myrtles have weakend immune responses and cannot fight off disease and insects as well. As the topping continues, the crape myrtles can respond by growing more trunks, worsening the problem.
What plants should be pruned in winter?
Prune evergreen shrubs (yew, holly, and boxwoods) and evergreen trees (spruce, fir) in late winter or early spring when they are still dormant and before new growth begins. Pines are pruned in early June to early July. Prune shade trees, such as oak, sweetgum, maple, katsura and hornbeam in late winter or early spring.
What shrubs should be cut back in February?
Many summer-flowering deciduous shrubs can be pruned between February and March; usually those that flower on the current year’s growth. Shrubs that need regular pruning include Buddleja davidii, Ceratostigma, Hydrangea paniculata, Lavatera, Leycesteria, Perovskia, hardy fuchsias, and deciduous Ceanothus.
Is it too late to prune?
You can prune those every few weeks up to late August and have time for new growth. Even repeat blooming summer stuff like Althaea, roses, Buddleia and crape myrtles can be pruned in mid-summer and still get flowers before fall; a lot of gardeners routinely cut off faded flowers and their stems to get more flowers.
Can you prune crepe myrtles in April?
Generally, Crape Myrtles in the fall should be left to grow. A rule of green thumb: The ideal time to prune will be late winter, February or March, however you can wait until April to prune your Crape Myrtle if you live in milder growing zones.
Is it too late to trim crepe myrtles?
If leaves have not yet or have just barely appeared, you’re safe to prune with little effect. Pruning as late as May will likely cause some delay in bloom time, and pruning later than May may delay bloom noticeably but will not harm the tree.
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.
How do you fert my crepe myrtle?
Begin fertilizing in Spring with the fertilizer of your choice (liquid, slow release or granules), when the first leaves start to appear. Established, well rooted, Crape Myrtles are heavy feeders. Lightly fertilize every two weeks throughout the spring and summer months. This will promote optimal new growth.
Should I deadhead my crepe myrtle?
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.
