| hi. I have two crape myrtles and I'm wondering what dead bud and/or branch pruning I should do at this time. Since it's just the start of summer, I'm concerned that last year's dried bloom buds left on the tree will impair this summer's blooms. Should I remove all the dried/dead blooms from last year that remain on the tree? if so, should i cut them or just |
| The old blooms from last year should not be harmful, but removing them can make the plant look nicer. A full grown crape myrtle is often too large to deadhead so many people do not bother. You could still carefully cut or pinch them off, but take care not to damage the new growth as this is where the current year's blooms will be. Pruning new growth now will limit blooming for this year. Usually, any pruning would be done in late winter to early spring for this reason. |
