What Are Crape Myrtles?
Crape Myrtles are an ornamental Asian shrub or small tree with bright colored crinkled pedals. They typically grow in warmer climates of the world, so they are a common plant in Florida. Crape Myrtles provide a remarkable addition to your landscape and are bought frequently for their vibrant colors. They can grow anywhere from 1” to 100”!
Crape Murder
Crape Myrtles grow so easily and bloom so long that we love them like family members, except during the winter when they are chopped down to the stump. They bloom so beautifully during the summer but are leafless in the wintertime, revealing nothing but branches. Crape Myrtles grow so fast that it is a common assumption they will grow back as normal when spring comes back around. But STOP! Chopping them down will just leave you with spindly and unattractive growth from ugly stumps in the springtime. This method is commonly referred to as “Crape Murder”.
Prune Correctly – Or else!
The proper way to care for your Crape Murder during the winter, in order to achieve those bright blooming pedals in the summer, is to trim off the top 2-3 feet of your branches just before spring or in late winter. Pruning Crape Myrtles takes gentle care, and is best done by a professional. You want to avoid using an electric hedge trimmer for this job and stick to using your standard pruners. If pruned incorrectly, you could be left with a lot of ugly! Trust 3 Seasons Lawn & Landscape to care for your Crape Myrtles and other ornamental plants in your landscape, call today for your free estimate!