The 'Lilac of the South' - more commonly known as lagerstromia or crepe myrtle - is a distinctive flowering plant that can grow up to three meters high even in a pot if well cared for. The lilac-like inflorescences appear from July and often remain on the bush until October. For lush flowering, you need to cut the Lagerströmia annually. We have put together the most important information for you in this article.
How do I cut the southern lilac correctly?
Answer: To properly prune the southern lilac (Lagerströmie), cut the young shoots back to just a few buds, remove dried branches and cut off any crossing or inward-growing shoots. A strong pruning promotes lush new growth and flowering.
The right time
There are two suitable times for pruning the crape myrtle: It is usually advisable to cut the shrub back after it has bloomed and before putting it away for winter quarters. Late cutting has the advantage that the non-hardy plant - which ultimately has to overwinter frost-free - takes up less space in its quarters. Since the Lagerströmia sheds its leaves in autumn anyway, you can also cut it down completely and place it in a cool, dark place. Alternatively, it is also possible to prune in early spring as soon as you take the shrub out of its winter quarters and move it to a warmer place.
Cutting Lagerströmie – This is how it’s done
Pruning is extremely important: if you don't do it, the flower will be significantly smaller. The plant only flowers on this year's young shoots, whose budding is only stimulated by pruning. To put it simply: the harder you cut the Lagerströmia, the more lush the new growth and flowering will be.
Tool
Sharp secateurs (€14.00 on Amazon) or rose scissors are sufficient for cutting, but you should clean them thoroughly with pure alcohol or a disinfectant available at the pharmacy or garden store before use. This measure prevents infection with pathogens, especially fungi that cause wilt.
How to cut
Finally, carry out the actual pruning as follows:
- Cut the Lagerströmie “on stock” for the first three to four years.
- This means you simply cut off all the shoots just above the ground.
- In this way, the shrub sprouts more and develops very branched to strongly bushy.
- Once the bush has achieved the desired compact growth habit, cut it back just enough to rejuvenate it.
- Instead, just cut back the young annual shoots down to a few buds.
- Old, dry branches should also be removed.
- Also crossing shoots or shoots growing inwards.
If you don't want to prune an older plant in autumn, you simply need to cut out the withered shoots and thin out the bush if necessary.
Tip
Pruning may also be necessary in the event of mildew disease, which mainly occurs in wet summers.
