Now Is the Time for Pruning Roses & Crepe Myrtles

By Mia Freneaux      

The county extension agent recommends pruning crape myrtles now for best flowering later.  Use a selective method of pruning that thins the canopy.  Remove all suckers from the bases of the trees, and all weak growth from the center of the tree to encourage an open growth pattern to allow air circulation and sunlight penetration.  Pruning bloom clusters after flowers fade may promote further blooming and prevent limb breakage.  This is also the time to prune hybrid tea and grandiflora roses.  Use sharp hand pruners that make clean cuts.  Cut all diseased or dead canes back to their point of origin.  Remove spindly, less than a pencil diameter canes.  A healthy rose should have 4 to 8 strong canes the diameter of your finger or larger.  Next cut remaining canes 18 to 24 inches above the ground, being sure to cut ¼ inch above a dormant bud or newly sprouted side shoot.  Try to cut back to buds that face outward to ensure proper growth.  You can find more information at lsuagcenter.com.