Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia) offer the powerful triple allure of brilliant flowers (late in the season), beautiful bark, and vivid fall color. Long grown in western Oregon, they are enjoying a surge of discovery among gardeners. Often thought of as trees and shrubs for hotter climates, a wide range of cultivars have proven their adaptability in our milder summers, and others are waiting to be discovered by gardeners.

Crape myrtles flower on wood produced in the current year, so any pruning should be done in early spring. It is best to prune as little as possible. Remove congested wood on the interior of the plant to maintain good air circulation, which helps avoid powdery mildew. Gently shape the remaining branches to enhance their natural character.

As trees mature, removing the lower limbs will reveal the striking bark of the trunks. Pruning will encourage new growth but does little to enhance flowering.

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