"Jeff" wrote in message
m...
I've just planed three (~5-6 ft) nachez crepe myrtles...they need to be
pruned back as they are very long and need to be shaped (too bushy)...when
should i do this? now? winter?

If you just planted them, I'd not prune them for two years and until they
get established. Too bushy is what they start out being. They've already set
blossoms on the next years wood for your late summer bloom. You can prune
crossing branches, and prune in late winter or early, early spring so that
the bush can recover from this. Don't over prune or it will bleed to death.
After two years of this kind of pruning when it shows it's structure, you
can remove a minimal third of the branches. Give it a chance to set roots
and get established. Resist the urge to whack it yet. Crape myrtles are much
more beautiful when allowed to grow into themselves first.

madgardener who has five different kinds including Nachez, and it's 14 foot
tall..................



any good resources on pruning crepe myrtles?




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