The 'lilac of the south' - better known under the names lagerstromia or crape myrtle - is a distinctive flowering plant that can grow up to three meters high even in a pot with good care. The lilac-like inflorescences appear from July and often stay on the bush until October. For lush flowering, you need to prune the lagerstromia annually. We have compiled the most important information for you in this article.
Southern lilacs are usually pruned after flowering
The right time
There are two suitable times for pruning crape myrtle: It is usually recommended to cut the shrub back after it has bloomed and before putting it into winter quarters. The late cut has the advantage that the not hardy plant - which ultimately has to hibernate frost-free - takes up less space in its quarters. Since the lagerstromia sheds its leaves in autumn anyway, you can also cut it down completely and put it in a cool and dark place. Alternatively, pruning is also possible in early spring as soon as you take the shrub out of its winter quarters and move it to a warmer place to move it forward.
Cutting stock flow - That's how it's done
The pruning is immensely important: if you don't do it, the flower will be much smaller. The plant only flowers on the young, this year's shoots, whose sprouting is only stimulated by the cut. To put it simply: the more you cut the Lagerstromie, the more luxuriant the new growth and flowering will be.
tool
Sharp pruning shears or pruning shears are sufficient for cutting, but you should clean them thoroughly with pure alcohol or a disinfectant available in the pharmacy or garden center before use. This measure prevents infection with pathogens, especially fungi that cause wilt.
This is how it is cut
Finally, carry out the actual pruning as follows:
- For the first three to four years, cut the stock stream “to stock”.
- This means you simply prune all the shoots to just above the ground.
- In this way, the shrub sprouts more and develops very branched to strongly bushy.
- Once the bush has reached the desired compact growth habit, prune it back as much only for rejuvenation.
- Instead, only cut back the young annual shoots to a few buds.
- Old, dead branches should also be removed.
- Also crossing or inward growing shoots.
If you don't want to cut back an older plant in autumn, you simply need to cut out the faded shoots and thin out the bush if necessary.
tips
A pruning can also be necessary with a mildew disease, which occurs mainly in humid summers.