How to prune and shape a crape myrtle bonsai? Pay attention to pruning old branches
I. How to prune a crape myrtle bonsai
1. Pruning during the growing season
Spring, summer and autumn are the seasons when the crape myrtle grows relatively quickly. During this period we need to prune its branches so that it will produce more branches and bloom more flowers. However, there is one thing everyone should remember: generally, newly sprouted branches are best not pruned; it is usually better to prune old branches.
2. Winter pruning
If you want to know how to prune a crape myrtle bonsai, winter pruning is especially important. At this time we can choose to use the heavy pruning method to prune the back branches. When pruning, generally leaving 3-5cm on each section is enough, and the branches at the bottom layer can be slightly longer.
3. Pruning after flowering
After the flowering period of the crape myrtle, the flowers will gradually fade. At this time we need to cut off the flowering branches in time. This is also preparation for its flowering the following year, and it is quite important.
II. How to shape a crape myrtle bonsai
As for how to shape a crape myrtle bonsai, first we can wrap the branches at the base of the crape myrtle along the trunk with rope. After 2-3 years of growth, the branches and the trunk can grow together. This can thicken the trunk of the crape myrtle and make it look more sturdy.
Of course there is another method, which is to plant several crape myrtle seedlings together. While the seedlings are growing, wrap them together with rope. This can also achieve the effect of thickening the trunk. Everyone can give it a try when growing them.
How to shape a crape myrtle bonsai Crape myrtle bonsai shaping methods
How do you shape a crape myrtle bonsai? When shaping a crape myrtle bonsai, the multi-trunk twist method is mostly used to thicken the trunk of the crape myrtle, and the side branches of the crape myrtle can be pruned to create the shape.
I. How to shape a crape myrtle bonsai
When shaping a crape myrtle bonsai, the multi-trunk twist method is mostly used to thicken the trunk of the crape myrtle. The method is to wrap the branches growing from the base along the trunk and fix them with rope. After 2 or 3 years of growth, the finger cover and the trunk can grow together, achieving the effect of thickening the trunk.
In addition, several crape myrtle seedlings can also be planted together. While they grow, wrap them around each other and fix them with rope, and the desired effect will also be achieved.
The side branches of the crape myrtle can be pruned to create the shape.
II. How to prune a crape myrtle
To apply an ideal shape, the crape myrtle still needs to be pruned.
For the crape myrtle, generally a strong pruning can be carried out once in winter, cutting off those overly dense and leggy branches, so that the plant maintains a proper density and a complete tree shape. In spring, when it regrows, pinching can be carried out; cutting the branches to a suitable length can make them sprout new branches.
When pruning, branches that affect the ornamental value can be cut off. After pruning, if flower clusters grow on the branches, weaker flowering branches can also be cut off. After flowering, spent flowers can be cut off. If the pruning work is done, it can extend the flowering period of the crape myrtle.
III. Other operations for shaping a crape myrtle
In order to extend the time for viewing the leaves, in the first ten days of September part of the old leaves can be removed. However, when picking the leaves, it should be done in batches.
In addition, in order to make the bark of the crape myrtle present an aged and antique posture, during its growth the bark can be cut and wounded, and then lime sulfur mixture can be applied, which can make it turn white. The branches can also be split or broken, etc., making it look weather-beaten and aged. This method can create a withered-style bonsai.
How to shape a crape myrtle bonsai
Crape myrtle bonsai shaping methods
When shaping a crape myrtle bonsai, the multi-trunk twist method is mostly used to thicken the trunk of the crape myrtle. The method is to wrap the branches growing from the base along the trunk and fix them with rope. After 2 or 3 years of growth, the finger cover and the trunk can grow together, achieving the effect of thickening the trunk.
In addition, several crape myrtle seedlings can also be planted together. While they grow, wrap them around each other and fix them with rope, and the desired effect will also be achieved.
The side branches of the crape myrtle can be pruned to create the shape.
How to prune a crape myrtle
To apply an ideal shape, the crape myrtle still needs to be pruned.
For the crape myrtle, generally a strong pruning can be carried out once in winter, cutting off those overly dense and leggy branches, so that the plant maintains a proper density and a complete tree shape. In spring, when it regrows, pinching can be carried out; cutting the branches to a suitable length can make them sprout new branches.
When pruning, branches that affect the ornamental value can be cut off. After pruning, if flower clusters grow on the branches, weaker flowering branches can also be cut off. After flowering, spent flowers can be cut off. If the pruning work is done, it can extend the flowering period of the crape myrtle.
Other operations for shaping a crape myrtle
In order to extend the time for viewing the leaves, in the first ten days of September part of the old leaves can be removed. However, when picking the leaves, it should be done in batches.
In addition, in order to make the bark of the crape myrtle present an aged and antique posture, during its growth the bark can be cut and wounded, and then lime sulfur mixture can be applied, which can make it turn white. The branches can also be split or broken, etc., making it look weather-beaten and aged. This method can create a withered-style bonsai.