Crepe myrtles are well-known for their vibrant and colorful blossoms that brighten up any landscape during the warmer months. These versatile plants can serve as eye-catching focal points, border plants, or privacy screens, making them a popular choice for many gardeners. A cost-effective way of increasing the number of crepe myrtles in your garden is by propagating them from cuttings.
Growing crepe myrtle from cuttings might seem like a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and techniques, it is achievable for both amateur and seasoned gardeners. By following a few essential steps, you can successfully cultivate strong and healthy new plants from an existing crepe myrtle.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of growing crepe myrtles from cuttings, covering everything from choosing appropriate stem cuttings to caring for your newly propagated plants. With patience and some attention to detail, soon you’ll have thriving crepe myrtles adorning your garden.
Understanding Crepe Myrtle
Varieties of Crepe Myrtle
Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia) is a popular flowering plant that comes in various sizes and colors. There are over 50 species and numerous hybrid cultivars available, offering a wide range of choices for landscapers and gardeners. Some common varieties include the Natchez, Catawba, Tonto, and Tuscarora. These plants showcase vibrant hues in their flowers, such as pink, purple, red, and white.
Here are some popular Crepe Myrtle varieties:
- Natchez: Known for its pure white flowers and exfoliating bark.
- Catawba: Showcases deep purple flowers and attractive, peeling bark.
- Tonto: Features stunning dark pink-purple flowers and a compact growth habit.
- Tuscarora: Boasts coral pink flowers and distinctive cinnamon-colored bark.
Preferred Growing Conditions
Growing Crepe Myrtle from cuttings can be a rewarding experience, but it is essential to provide the plant with optimal conditions for its growth. These plants need warmth, sunlight, and well-drained soil to thrive.
- Sunlight: Crepe Myrtles prefer full sun, meaning they should receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Adequate sunlight will ensure more abundant blooms and optimal growth.
- Temperature: The plant fares well in USDA hardiness zones 6-10, where the possible climate is mild to hot. Some species and cultivars may tolerate colder temperatures. However, selecting a variety adapted to your specific area can increase the plant’s chances of success.
- Soil: Crepe Myrtles need well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. They are adaptable to various soil types, such as clay, loam, and sandy soils. However, optimal soil conditions can maximize growth and flowering.
- Watering: While Crepe Myrtles are relatively drought-tolerant, they benefit from regular watering when newly planted or during dry periods. Soil moisture should be maintained without creating waterlogged conditions.
By providing suitable conditions for Crepe Myrtles, gardeners can expect an eye-catching display of flowers throughout the summer months and enjoy the plant’s unique beauty.
Gathering and Preparing Cuttings
Choosing the Right Cutting
When growing crepe myrtle from cuttings, selecting the appropriate cutting is crucial. Look for healthy branches with new growth, measuring around 4 to 6 inches long. The perfect time to gather cuttings is during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Remember to use clean, sharp pruning shears to make a straight cut. Furthermore, choose branches that are free from pests or diseases, and avoid branches with flowers or buds.
Preparing the Cutting
After choosing a healthy cutting, follow these steps to properly prepare it for planting:
- Trim the leaves: Remove all the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, leaving only the top leaves. This reduces the risk of water loss and encourages root growth.
- Apply rooting hormone: Dip the cut end of the cutting into a rooting hormone, which helps stimulate root formation. You can find rooting hormones at your local garden center or online.
- Prepare a potting mix: Use a well-draining potting mix to plant the cutting. A mixture of equal parts peat moss and perlite is ideal. Fill a clean pot or container with the potting mix and moisten it thoroughly.
- Plant the cutting: Make a small hole in the potting mix using a pencil or your finger. Gently place the cutting, with the treated end first, about 2 to 3 inches deep into the hole. Press the potting mix gently around the stem to provide support.
After preparing the cutting, provide the right conditions for growth, including adequate moisture, warmth, and indirect sunlight. Keep a close eye on the cutting for the first few weeks, ensuring it remains moist but not soggy. With proper care and patience, your crepe myrtle cutting will develop a healthy root system and eventually grow into a thriving plant.
Planting the Cuttings
Pot Selection
Selecting the right pot is crucial for successful growth of crepe myrtle cuttings. Choose a pot that is at least 6 inches in diameter and has drainage holes at the bottom. This allows excess water to escape, preventing root rot. A lightweight, breathable, and durable material like plastic or terracotta is recommended.
Soil Choice
A well-draining soil mix is essential for crepe myrtle cuttings. Combine equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite to create a suitable mix. This blend ensures proper aeration and moisture retention, ultimately promoting healthy root development.
Rooting Hormone Application
Applying a rooting hormone is an important step to encourage root growth in crepe myrtle cuttings.
- Fill a small, clean container with rooting hormone powder.
- Dip the base of the cutting (approximately one inch up the stem) into the powder, ensuring complete coverage.
- Tap the cutting gently to remove any excess powder.
Setting the Cutting
Finally, it’s time to plant the cutting. Follow these steps:
- Fill the chosen pot with the prepared soil mix, leaving about an inch of space from the top.
- Create a hole in the soil, approximately 2-3 inches deep, using a pencil or your finger.
- Insert the powdered end of the cutting into the hole, ensuring firm contact with the soil.
- Gently press the soil around the cutting to provide support.
Remember to keep the planted cutting in a warm, humid environment with indirect sunlight. Maintain soil moisture by misting it regularly, and within a few weeks, your crepe myrtle cutting will begin to develop roots and new growth.
Care After Planting
Initial Watering
When planting crepe myrtle cuttings, proper watering is crucial to ensure their survival and growth. Initially, the soil should be saturated to allow the roots to establish themselves. Water the cuttings deeply until the soil is completely wet about 8-10 inches down. This will create a moist environment for the young plant to develop strong root systems. For the first two weeks, water the cuttings regularly, approximately every other day, to maintain the moist soil condition and encourage root growth.
Light and Temperature Conditions
Crepe myrtles thrive in areas with full sun exposure, receiving at least six hours of sunlight daily. Place the cuttings in a location that provides the necessary light for proper growth and flowering. Moreover, these plants can tolerate a wide range of temperature conditions, as they are hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10. However, it is crucial to keep crepe myrtles away from frost or freezing temperatures, as these conditions may damage the soft, young tissues.
Fertilizer and Mulch Use
To promote healthy growth and abundant blooms, apply a slow-release fertilizer around the base of the crepe myrtle cuttings in early spring. Choose a well-balanced fertilizer, such as a 14-14-14 blend, according to the package’s recommended rates. Do not over-fertilize, as this may lead to excessive vegetative growth, reduced blooming, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
In addition to fertilizing, apply a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or leaves, around the base of the plant. This will help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch at least 3 inches away from the stem to avoid trunk rot and other fungal diseases.
Transplanting Crepe Myrtle
Ideal Time
The optimal time to transplant crepe myrtle cuttings is during the tree’s dormant season, which usually falls between late November and early February. Transplanting during this period minimizes the risk of stress or damage to the plant, resulting in a more successful transplantation process.
Transplantation Steps
- Site Selection: Choose an appropriate site that provides well-drained soil and receives full sunlight for at least six hours per day. Additionally, ensure that the planting area offers enough space for the crepe myrtle to grow to its full size.
- Preparing the Site: Dig a hole that is approximately twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of the cutting. Loosen the soil around the hole for better establishment of the plant’s root system.
- Preparing the Cutting: Gently remove the crepe myrtle cutting from its container or pot. Inspect the roots and trim away any damaged or excessively long roots. If the roots are tightly bound, gently loosen them to encourage proper growth.
- Planting the Cutting: Place the crepe myrtle cutting in the center of the prepared hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill the hole with soil, gently packing it around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
- Watering: Water the newly transplanted crepe myrtle thoroughly to settle the soil and establish good contact between the roots and the surrounding soil. Maintain regular watering during the first few weeks after transplanting, gradually reducing the frequency as the plant establishes itself.
- Mulching: Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the crepe myrtle, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to avoid moisture buildup and potential rot. Mulch helps to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.
By following these transplantation steps carefully and transplanting during the ideal time, crepe myrtle cuttings can thrive in their new environment and grow into beautiful, healthy trees.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Insect Pests
Occasionally, crepe myrtles may face issues with insect infestations. There are several pests that may attack them, such as aphids, scale insects, and Japanese beetles. To combat these insects, proactive measures can be taken. Regularly inspect the plants for signs of bugs and consider taking the following steps:
- Use a soapy water solution to spray the infested areas and rinse the plant thoroughly after a few hours.
- Release beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings to help keep the pest population under control.
- If the problem persists, use insecticides labeled for use on crepe myrtles with caution and following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Disease Control
Crepe myrtles can also suffer from diseases that may hinder their growth. Powdery mildew and leaf spot fungal diseases are among the most common problems. For effective disease control:
- Plant the crepe myrtle cuttings in a well-draining soil mix and avoid overwatering.
- Prune the crepe myrtle for good air circulation within the canopy to discourage fungal growth.
- Apply a fungicide suitable for crepe myrtles if diseases become severe, following the label directions.
Recovery from Temperature Stress
Crepe myrtles can be sensitive to temperature fluctuations, especially when they are young. They may experience stress due to sudden temperature changes or extreme heat or cold. Here’s what to do in such situations:
- Provide a protective mulch layer around the base of the plant to insulate the root system from temperature extremes.
- Water the plant deeply and consistently to help it cope with heat stress.
- In the case of a sudden freeze, a frost blanket can be placed over the crepe myrtle for additional protection.
By addressing these common issues, your crepe myrtle cuttings will have a better chance of growing successfully and producing beautiful blooms.

My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.