Can Crepe Myrtles Be a Shrub Too?

Question

We have two beautiful crepe myrtles on the lake side of our yard in Lake Ozark, MO. The question that I am posing is this. . . is there such a thing as a crepe myrtle shrub or a crepe myrtle tree? Are there both types? They’re both at least 15 foot tall, bushy and beautiful. Since we purchased the home 5 years ago, we have no idea what we are dealing with and how/when to prune them. I have read in your web site you call them trees. . . hum? We don’t want to lose their beauty, but we also don’t want them to die from not being pruned. Please help! I hope I explained the situation.

Answer 1

I’m in Texas, but I don’t think that matters with crepe myrtles. You can prune back as far as you want to. It will regrow no problem. Pruning however should be done in the fall, so your not trimming what will bloom. We have dwarf crepe myrtles on the south side of our house, and trim them just like bushes. Some will bloom early in summer, and some later. Hope this helps
Odie from Texas

Answer 2

In areas were winter dieback happens to the ground, yes, they do grow as shrubs. They do not need to be pruned, unless you want to shape them, due to the fact that they grow in a shrub shape.