A hand pruner, for pruning small twigs and thin branches. Loppers, which are used to cut thicker branches that are higher up. Pole pruners, which cut even thicker branches. A pruning saw, for the thickest branches you need to cut.
Crepe myrtles grow flower buds on new growth, so you should still get blossoms as long as you leave enough time in the growing season. If leaves haven’t yet or have just barely appeared, it should be safe to prune your plant. It’s possible to prune as late or even later than May without harming the tree. However, pruning this late will probably delay your bloom time. Pruning before leaves sprout on the tree is also helpful because you get a clearer view of which branches to cut. Keep in mind that you can remove flowers when they fade in the summer to encourage a second bloom, as well.
Crepe myrtles can grow about 1 to 2 feet (30-40 cm) per season, so prune based on your desired tree height. For example, if you want your tree to be about 6 feet (2 m) tall, you will want to prune back to 4 to 5 feet (121 cm to 166 cm). Keep in mind that new growth will sprout from the pruned areas.
Look at images of crepe myrtles from a hundred years ago and you’ll see how beautiful the tree looked when pruned more gently.
For younger trees that you are starting to shape, prune the small limbs from the ground up, leaving only the 3-5 strongest limbs. Remove smaller branches that are growing horizontally or toward the inside of the tree.
If you’re cutting a branch back to the trunk, cut flush with the trunk instead of leaving a stub. Use loppers for lower branches or pole pruners for the tall ones out of reach. It is not necessary to cut off seed pods. It won’t affect blooming.
Popular varieties of crepe myrtle include Catawba, which has purple blooms, Osage, which has light pink blossoms, Natchez, which has white blooms, and Miami, which has bright pink flowers. [5] X Research source The length of the bloom may also help you figure out your variety. Some crepe myrtle plants, such as Natchez and Osage, have longer blooming periods than the average plant.
Catawba has a light gray-brown bark, while Osage and Miami have a deep chestnut brown color. Natchez has cinnamon-colored bark.
Catawba grow as a small shrub where Osage grows as a large shrub or small tree. Both Miami and Natchez grow as trees, though Natchez varieties tend to arch where Miami varieties grow upright.
