What month do you cut crepe myrtles back?

Early spring before new growth is the best time to prune crape myrtles. Whenever you prune, you cause the tree to generate new growth. New growth that starts now will not have time to harden off before frost.

How do you prune a crepe myrtle in Florida?

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.

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. Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.) signal the beginning of summer with a profusion of colorful flower clusters.

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. Use your average last frost date and count back.

Should you trim crepe myrtles every year?

Also, crepe myrtles need minimal pruning. Some gardeners top them annually, but this ruins their natural shape and beauty. Remove the sucker growth that sometimes appears around the base. Only prune to shape trees or to take out any cross branching.

How do you prune a crepe myrtle that is too tall?

If heavy-pruning your too-tall crape is an annual ritual, transplant it, if possible, and replace it with a shorter variety. If it’s only a bit too tall, prune the top branches back 2 feet to a side branch. But don’t leave stubs.

Can I cut my crepe myrtle to the ground?

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).

Why are my crepe myrtles not blooming?

Crepe myrtle not blooming due to lack of sun

The crepe myrtle requires significant sunshine in order to bloom. If you have a crepe myrtle not blooming, it may be planted in a bad place that lacks sunshine. Take a look around and see if something is blocking the sun from the tree.

How do you take care of a crepe myrtle in Florida?

How to Care for Crape Myrtle
  1. Find Full Sunlight. Crape myrtle needs full sun (6 or more hours per day) to thrive. …
  2. Use Suitable Soil. …
  3. Fertilize Lightly. …
  4. Treat Fungus Before It Starts. …
  5. Prune Sparingly in Winter or Early Spring. …
  6. Expose the Trunk for More Beauty. …
  7. Deadhead for Even More Flowers.

How do you shorten crepe myrtles?

Should I deadhead my crepe myrtle?

Q: Do you have to deadhead crape myrtle trees to get more flowers? A: No, you do not have to deadhead the Southern lilac (crepe or crape myrtle, depending on what source you consult), but it does help to stimulate more flowers when you do — if you can reach them.

Does crepe myrtle do well in Florida?

The crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is one of the most beautiful and popular flowering trees in Florida. … Its blooms are large and long-lasting (up to one hundred days), and the tree has great fall color and attractive bark. It prefers a sunny, well-drained site and is relatively pest- and disease-free.

How far down can you cut crepe myrtles?

Chances are good for cuts up to about two inches. Unfortunately, not all Crape myrtles can be saved and sometimes, it’s best to start over. Your Crape myrtle should not look like an amputee in the winter.

How tall should crepe myrtles be?

Not only do they differ in bloom and leaf color, but also in mature size. Dwarf varieties only grow to a height of 4 feet or less. Semi-Dwarf varieties grow 4 to 8 feet tall. Large or Tree Crapemyrtle reaches a height of 10 to 20 feet.

What if my crepe myrtle is too tall?

If your crape myrtle does become too tall for its location, you can prune the tree back to a more appropriate height– just don’t make this a regular practice each year. It will take a little more time to prune correctly, but you will end up with a beautiful tree.