Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:55:53 -0400
From: Al Cooke
Subject: Pruning Crepes
Kristin Elsenbeck did a great summary of pruning crepe myrtles, and there’s no need to repeat that. I just want to add that there are literally hundreds of varieties of crepes in a bewildering array of sizes, colors, shapes, sizes, disease resistance, and did I say sizes? A “crape myrtle” at maturity may be 3 feet tall or 30 feet tall, depending on the variety. Apparently there are a lot of 30 foot varieties that people wish were 5 feet. As Kristin pointed out, this type of pruning creates weak points and long lanky stems that break off readily.
So… when buying a crape myrtle, if you have a preconceived idea about how tall it should be, you can buy one in that size range. The nursery will be able to help you in your selection (assuming you buy from a nursery and not at a grocery store). It’s a lot easier than trying to put a 30 foot tree in a 10 foot space.
alcooke
Al Cooke
Extension Agent, Horticulture
Chatham County Center
N.C. Cooperative Extension
919.542-8202; Fax 919.542.8246
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/chatham/staff/acooke/home.html
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