| Pruning isn't required, but crape myrtles can be pruned to shape. And, pruning can increase the blooming of a crape myrtle. Crape myrtles bloom on new wood; allowing them to flower and then pruning them back will encourage new wood, and thus a second flush of blooms. Gardeners who prune in winter are anticipating new growth in the spring (with accompanying flowers). Those who prune again in late spring are counting on additional new growth (and new blooms in the summer). Hope this clarifies things for you! |
