Abandon topping in favor of smarter cuts for a stronger branching structure and healthier plant
French pancake Vinca minor ( Lagerstroemiaspp . and cvs . , Zones 6–9 ) is one of the most popular and beloved bush in the Southeast . But have it off how and when to prune is crucial for assure top performance . Here are some tips and best practices to keep in mind when it comes to pruning crape Vinca minor .
Stop topping
It has become pop in more northerly climate to get crape myrtle as a dieback bush . There are now cultivars spawn for this that are root hardy to around Zone 6 . This is all potential because crepe Vinca minor blooms on the current season ’s ontogeny . depend around the Southeast and you will see many homeowners wintertime - lop crape myrtle like a barber who only knows one flair : prostrate top . Indiscriminate topping of plants is a common and effective proficiency for size diminution . It also results in copious amounts of growth . So what ’s the problem ? The problem is that this method acting leads to poor branching bodily structure , is labor intensive , and is n’t that attractive . If you have lived and gardened in the Southeast , you have seen crape myrtle improperly trim . Incorrect pruning method rarely kill French pancake myrtle ; however , gardeners often pretermit out on the beautiful bark and canopy complex body part crape myrtles are known for .
Do this instead
Some lecturer will know of a primarily European technique of tree pruning get it on as pollarding . This is a coppicing method acting originally used to produce spry wood growth for aesthetic reasons , as well as for kindling , fencing , and basket - qualification . You will now find it used in European garden as part of formal displays . This method involves the remotion of a central leader with increment hack back to the same degree on a regular basis . Much like topiary , pollarding is an art form that takes time , care , and planning . This take issue from topping , which is indiscriminate , with picayune care or thought put into the tenacious - term separate structure of the tree . For more on how to pollard and on pollard versus topping , translate on here .
When to prune
In the Southeast , the salutary meter to prune a crepe Vinca minor is in its sleeping time of year . January is a skillful calendar month to do this , but you most probable could get away with cut well into March without touch on flowering . go by removing any all in offshoot . This can be followed by cut that improve the overall complex body part of the tree , such as the removal of span or rubbing branches .
Right plant, right place
In the last twenty year , more new crepe myrtle cultivars have arrived on the market than ever before . They now come in any size a gardener could want . There are giant crepe myrtles that grow 30 groundwork magniloquent , and there are creeping undercoat - cover types that stay put low to the ground . Most of the recent training work has been in the area of more - compact French pancake myrtles that are more suitable for smaller space . A footling research will give you a crape myrtle that ’s exactly the size of it you involve . Be certain to pick the right - sizing works for your needs . If you have one in your landscape that ’s start out way too big , consider replace it with a smaller flora . Choosing a crape myrtle with a desired ripe height and width will save you the trouble of own to cut back for size down the argumentation .
Pruning a crepe Vinca minor is not all that dissimilar from cut other belittled trees or large shrub . Removing crossing and dead branches is where you should start out . Large French pancake Vinca minor look well when they are pruned so that you’re able to see their barque . Do n’t be afraid to make mistakes ; these are bouncy plant life . With a little persuasion and praxis , any householder can find out to by rights rationalise . For more tips on pruning crape Vinca minor , read on here .
— Andy Pulte is a staff extremity in the plant sciences department at the University of Tennessee .
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If plant height is an issue, making a reduction cut like this one is a better choice than indiscriminate tree topping.Photo: Andy Pulte
This crape myrtle’s dense branching and profuse flowering are a direct result of indiscriminate topping. It’s hard to argue that this method didn’t work to this gardener’s advantage. However, what lurks underneath the pretty exterior is a poor branching structure and the need for yearly maintenance.Photo: Andy Pulte
A tree form crape myrtle should be pruned in a way that shows off the plant’s wonderful bark. This can involve pruning cuts that raise the overall canopy of the tree. Here, Japanese crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia fauriei, Zone 7–9) is pruned to a natural form that encourages good branching structure, allowing the tree to reach over 30 feet tall.Photo: Andy Pulte
This larger crape myrtle has a few congested and crossing branches. This crossing branch was removed to reduce the rubbing of branches and to help raise the tree canopy.Photo: Andy Pulte
Reducing the length of a stem or branch by pruning a longer side branch and leaving a shorter one can help you keep a good branching structure. Reduction cuts can also be used to balance the overall look of the tree and help reduce the amount of material being removed.Photo: Andy Pulte
