Natty Dread wrote:

I have three crepe myrtles that were planted last year. They are now about
4.5 feet tall and had developed their first blooms at the end of last
summer. However, it was so hot and dry here last year that the blooms
basically fried on the branches before they could fully open. Should I
prune these trees back to encourage blooming this year? If so, how far
down? Thanks for any info.

Not necessary. It will flower on new growth. Instead of
pruning, you might give it some blooming plant fertilizer, but
only if there is sufficient moisture. Don't fertilize during
very dry periods.

If your specimens are getting tall, it's likely they are tree
form cultivars. Some crapes are bushes; some form beautiful
small trees. On the tree types, the ONLY pruning I do is
removing entire crossing or crowded branches as the plant
grows to encourage a nice vase shape. That, and removing
small lower limbs from the larger branches as needed to shape
it up into an attractive tree. Do NOT top as it can ruin the
lovely shape these trees take on.

A good book on pruning can help, and the difference between a
properly trained crape and one left to its own devices (or
even worse, topped) is night and day. Properly pruned, they
are very attractive year round and free of wounds from rubbing
branches. The topped ones are rather unsightly in winter, as
the topping cuts are not hidden by the leaves.

I hope that helps.

Mike
On the North Carolina coast - Zone 8a
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