Pruning Flowering Trees & Shrubs

Crape Myrtle

• Scientific Name

  Lagerstroemia
• Image & Information

  The natural habit of Crape Myrtles is to produce multiple trunks. However, they may be trained to become a single trunk tree. Trees with multiple trunks develop a wider canopy and carry a larger number of blossoms. However, single-trunk trees still produce a profusion of blossoms and consume less room in the garden.

  If the preferred shape is multi-trunk, choose three to five strong trunks that are approximately equally spaced around the center, that are growing at an upright angle (not laterally out), and that have enough room to grow in their location. Prune suckers and any additional trunks as close to the ground as possible.

  If the preferred shape is single-trunk, chose one main trunk that is growing upright and remove any suckers and additional trunks as close to the ground as possible.

  Lower branches on young trees feed the lower trunk. This increases trunk girth and makes the trunk stronger and more stable in wind. If the lower branches need to be controlled before the trunk(s) have thickened sufficiently, use thinning or heading cuts to reduce their size.

  Whether multi-trunk or single-trunk, once the trunk is thickened and strong, remove the lower branches as the tree matures to reveal the beautiful bark.

  Choose a height for the lowest branches that suits the plant location – higher if there is a need to walk under it; lower if the only goal is to display some of the bark and tree structure.

  In Marin’s Mediterranean climate, a second bloom may be possible, if the spent flowers are removed after the first bloom. To create wildlife habitat, leave the last blossoms on the tree, as they will develop small seed balls that provide food for birds in the winter.

  Crape Myrtle are not good candidates size control, because they generate extensive reactive growth at the point of pruning cuts. The year after pruning, a gardener may need to remove the reactive growth.

• When to Prune

  Winter or early spring
• Flowers/Fruit on New or Old Wood

  New Wood
• How & What to Prune

  Remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood.

  Use thinning and releadering cuts to remove or shorten crossing branches.

  Then, use thinning and releadering cuts to open the plant and to reduce its height and width, as necessary.

  Excessive pruning can cause witches’ broom at the point of the cut. If the tree requires major restructuring, consider removing one-third of the targeted growth each year for three years.