How to prune crape myrtle? A guide to mastering the correct pruning method

Crape myrtle (Bai Ri Hong) is the crape myrtle tree (Lagerstroemia indica). Its form is graceful, its trunk smooth and clean, and its flowers brilliantly colored. It blooms right during the summer and autumn season when few flowers are in bloom, and its flowering period is long, hence the name “Bai Ri Hong” (Hundred-Day Red). So, what is the pruning method for crape myrtle?

1. Pruning method for crape myrtle

Crape myrtle is generally pruned after leaf fall in autumn. Water sprouts, dry and withered branches, drooping branches, diseased and pest-infested branches, slender branches and inward-growing branches should be cut off. During the young tree stage, the lateral branches on the lower part of the main trunk should also be cut off in good time, so that the upper part of the main trunk can receive sufficient nutrients and form a good canopy.

2. How to grow crape myrtle?

1. Soil: Crape myrtle is vigorous and easy to cultivate, and is not strict about soil, but it grows best when planted in deep, fertile sandy loam.

2. Sunlight: Crape myrtle likes light, and should be planted in a wind-sheltered, sunny spot or at the foot of a south-facing wall in the courtyard. Insufficient light not only means fewer or no flowers, but can even cause weak growth with thin branches and small leaves.

3. Watering: Crape myrtle is drought-tolerant and afraid of waterlogging. Each year, before bud break in spring and after leaf fall in autumn, you can water once with "greening water" and "freezing water". At ordinary times, if it is not too dry, there is no need to water. During the rainy season, drainage should be done well to prevent excessive water from rotting the roots.

4. Fertilizing: Crape myrtle can be fertilized each year after leaf fall in winter and before bud break in spring. Applying human manure or sesame paste residue is even better, as it can make the plant grow vigorously the following year with large, brightly colored flowers.

5. Pests: During the growing period, crape myrtle is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, stinging caterpillars and leaf-roller moths. If they occur, you can spray dimethoate emulsifiable concentrate at 1000 times dilution to kill scale insects and aphids, and 80% dichlorvos emulsifiable concentrate at 1500 times dilution to kill stinging caterpillars and leaf-roller moths.

As an excellent flowering tree, crape myrtle will bloom very beautifully as long as it is cared for properly.