Q.100+ Year Old Crape Myrtle
We just purchased an Antebellum home that has a crape myrtle dating back to pre-civil war. The limbs are straggly and a good portion appear dead. Top limbs are about 25′ high and there were very little foliage and blooms on the tree this summer. How far back can I, or should I cut it to get good foliage and blooms? We are in Vicksburg, MS and crape myrtles seem to be plentiful in the area. Also, when would the best time be to do this given our mild winters?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
These articles will help you with the pruning:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/pruning-crepe-myrtle-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/best-crepe-myrtle-pruning-time-when-to-prune-crepe-myrtle.htm
You can back any dead growth and about 20% per year back on the healthy growth. Pruning will help the tree fill out, but it may take a few years of pruning to see the full potential of the tree.
