Use and Care Manual

Otherwise, water in the fertilizer after application with irrigation. It is not necessary to
remove mulch when fertilizing.
Water
The first year is a critical time for your new crape myrtle. It has not had time to establish
itself yet and therefore is not as strong as an older shrub. To prevent the plant from dying, it
must be watered once a week. Be sure to soak the entire root system deeply, this will take
about 45-60 minutes.
For best growth and production, crape myrtle should receive at least one inch of water a
week. During dry spells, water is mandatory. If not properly watered during dry spells,
flowers may be mitigated. Keep at least 4 feet around the shrub clear of grass and weeds,
for less competition for water.
Once your tree reaches maturity, it will be naturally drought-resistant.
Pruning
Crape myrtle flowers on new growth of the season, so if you choose to prune, do so in the
dormant season, i.e. later winter to early spring before growth resumes. Avoid pruning in
early fall before the first frost, because pruning forces new growth and keeps the plant from
going dormant. Severe freezes can kill the plant if it is not fully dormant.
It is a common misconception that crape myrtles require pruning in order to flower. This is
not only false but has also resulted in virtually millions of plants being pruned very
aggressively, a practice commonly referred to as "crape murder." The most natural and
beautiful crape myrtle trees result from limited or no pruning. In addition, aggressive pruning
leads to increased suckering (shoots arising from below-ground roots) which is not only
undesirable but it could result in powdery mildew spreading from the suckers to the canopy
of the tree. Aphids are also attracted to the succulent growth which results from aggressive
pruning.
It is far better to plant dwarf, or semi-dwarf varieties which grow to desired mature heights
than to continue fighting with a more vigorous, larger cultivars planted in a too-small space.
If you choose to prune however, follow the simple steps: First, remove suckers from the
base of the plant. Second, as the tree grows, remove lower branches from the bottom third
of the tree to expose the trunk character. Last, remove crowded or crossing branches from
the canopy.
The seedheads are an attractive feature and should be left on the tree. As the new growth
appears in the spring, the seedheads fall off. Some folks find that objectionable; if desired
the seedheads can be removed by heading back to above where a leaf joins the stem, or if