How to Prune a Miniature Crepe Myrtle

Minature crepe myrtles are beautiful shrubs that bloom all summer long and make a wonderful addition to your landscaping. Though these shrubs are low maintenence, they do require pruning from time to time. Pruning is easy and encourages more beautiful growth.

Things You'll Need

• Yarn or string
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Look for branches that are dry and unhealthy. Growth from the previous year may require pruning also, especially if you want to train your bush to grow to be a certain shape or size.

2. Tie a piece of yarn or string around each branch that you want to prune, including all the dead branches and the healthy ones to be removed to make your shrub your desired size and shape.

3. Cut the branches with your pruning shears. For a medium-sized shrub, cut the healthy branches that are the approximate width of a pencil. If you want your shrub to stay smaller and low to the ground, cut all the branches back so that only about 6 inches of each branch remains.

Tips & Warnings

• Prune miniature crepe myrtles in late winter or early spring. You want to prune your shrubs before new growth begins.

• Pruning is not necessary for the health of the crepe myrtle, but it keeps the appearance neat and tidy.

• Only prune the smallest branches if you want a taller and fuller crepe myrtle.

• Don't use common household scissors to prune your bushes. They are not sharp enough and will tear the branches instead of leaving a nice, clean cut.