This plant is appreciated by many gardeners for its vivid blooming, long blooming period, and tree-like shape. However, if you cultivate a crepe myrtle in a pot, it should be trimmed regularly for the plant to grow in a healthy manner, control the size of the plant, and make it bloom even more intensively.
However, should you choose to plant your crepe myrtle in a pot, the act of pruning will assist in not only making your plant look good but also developing new shoots which will produce flower buds.
The following article will tell you about the process of trimming and how to trim a plant properly.
1. Why Does Pruning Crepe Myrtle in a Pot Encourage More Flowers?
Promote Flowering on New Branches
Crepe Myrtle blooms will emerge on these new shoots. After removing the crowded, sickly, or dead branches, the Crepe Myrtle can focus its energy on producing new shoots.
This is especially important if you choose to grow Crepe Myrtle in a pot where there is no room for its roots to spread out. After proper pruning of your plant, a good branching structure with many possibilities for flowering will form.
Improve Air Circulation and Light Intensity
Sunlight is an essential factor for flowering Crepe Myrtle. At least 6 hours of sunlight daily should be provided to the tree.
Excessive growth of branches will make it harder for the tree to get enough sunlight and air circulation, causing:
- Fewer flower buds;
- Weak branch growth;
- Increased risk of fungal problems.
Pruning away crowded branches will ensure that the sun reaches more leaves and improve the condition of the plant.
Maintaining a Compact Shape
The good thing about planting the crepe myrtle in a pot is that one can control its size and shape. Pruning helps prevent the plant from becoming too big for the pot.
2. At What Time Should the Crepe Myrtle in a Pot Be Pruned?
Late Winter to Early Spring Is Ideal
The best pruning period is usually from late winter to early spring, before new growth begins.
During this dormant period:
- Branch structure is easier to see;
- The plant experiences less stress;
- New shoots can grow quickly after pruning.
Pruning early in the spring season enables the plant to concentrate on making healthy branches and blossoms.
Don’t Overprune at the Wrong Season
Although light pruning can always be done when needed, over-pruning must never be done in some seasons.
Summer: Over-pruning may include removal of buds that can produce flowers.
Fall: Over-pruning may stimulate growth that is not ready for winter conditions.
3. What Tools Are Needed for Pruning Crepe Myrtle in a Pot?
Using appropriate equipment ensures that you have neat cuts and avoids damaging your plants.
The equipment needed is:
- Pruning Shears: They are good for smaller branches that are less than 1cm in size.
- Loppers: Good for thicker branches.
- Disinfectant: This is to disinfect equipment to avoid spreading bacteria and diseases.
Before the process, take time to examine the plant for dead branches, crossing branches, and overgrown parts.
4. How to Properly Prune Crepe Myrtle in a Pot
Step 1: Eliminating Dead and Diseased Branches
They do not provide any growth or flowering. However, they do take nutrients from the tree without giving anything back. Thus, trim off such branches close to the main trunk.
Step 2: Cutting Crossing and Inward Growing Branches
Some branches might be growing towards the center of the tree.
Remove:
- Crossing branches;
- Weak shoots;
- Inward-growing stems.
This improves airflow and allows more sunlight to reach the inner canopy.
Step 3: Controlling Plant Height and Form
Pruned plants require control of their sizes. The removal of parts from the crepe myrtle in a pot should be done without cutting too much of the plant.As a general guide, one should cut no more than one-third of the overall height of the plant when pruning. The main branches should remain intact, and the trimming should not damage the tree form.
Step 4: Pruning Faded Flower Clusters
In the event of pruning after blooming, pruning faded flower clusters can be useful to maintain the shrub’s neatness and encourage new blooms.
However, over-pruning is not advisable because it requires leaves for photosynthesis.
Conclusion
Pruning is also very critical in achieving a blooming potted crepe myrtle that is healthy. The best time for pruning is either late winter or early spring, when you prune off all unwanted branches without exaggerating on it.
Provided that you have sufficient sunlight, water, and fertilizer, pruning will make sure that your crepe myrtle in a pot remains attractive and blooms well. Should you require any assistance regarding pruning and planting of your crepe myrtle, you can always reach out to us.