How to Prune Crepe Myrtles and Roses
Last updated September 7, 2023
Pruning may seem tricky, but it’s not. And it’s definitely worth the effort. Pruned roses and crepe myrtle produce almost twice as many flowers as those that don’t get pruned.
Don’t worry about making mistakes. It’s hard to kill a rose or crepe myrtle with bad pruning. Prune less in the beginning. You can always go back and cut more, and most goofs grow back just fine. But it’s a good idea to first know why you are pruning – to shape the plant, thin it out or get rid of dead branches.
Table of Contents
Prune Roses in 5 Easy Steps
Prune Shrub Roses in One Step
5 Steps to Prune Crepe Myrtles
Prune Roses in 5 Easy Steps
Wear rose gloves to protect your hands. Start from the bottom of the bush and work your way up.
Use long-handled loppers to prune thick canes. Remove any dead, black, shriveled, diseased or broken wood.
Prune hybrid tea roses to leave three to five strong, healthy canes, each 6 to 8 inches long. Prune floribundas to leave eight to 10 strong, healthy canes, each 8 to 12 inches long. Make the cuts on an angle, about 1/4-inch above buds that face away from the center of the bush.
Use bypass pruners for canes that are about as big around as a pencil. Remove twigs or branches that cross or rub against each other.
Cut off any suckers, the stems that sprout from the roots. You may have to remove some soil to get to them.
Prune Shrub Roses in One Step
Shrub roses, like ‘Knock Out’ roses, can be pruned with electric hedge trimmers. Just remove about 1/3 of the growth, and you’re done!
5 Steps to Prune Crepe Myrtles
Remove new branches called suckers coming up from the base.
Next, work your way 4 feet up the main trunks, cutting off all side branches. Cut back to the trunks and don’t leave stubs.
Above 4 feet, prune all branches growing in toward the center of the tree. Always cut back to a larger branch of the trunk.
Cut off branches that are crossing each other or rubbing against the trunks, and all dead branches.
Lastly, step back and look for any distracting branches growing at awkward angles.
This handy guide teaches you step by step how to prune roses and crepe myrtle bushes. Both are a lovely additions to any yard and will add color and charm. Use The Home Depot Mobile App to view our wide selection of outdoor plants and have them shipped to you.
