Last Updated on September 16, 2022 by Griselda M.
This article will focus on how to grow a crepe myrtle tree from a branch, and the type of branch to use for this exercise.
Crepe myrtles are beautiful shrubs or evergreens that can be grown in both the landscape and as a specimen. The most popular form is the tree form. Crepe myrtles have a unique, cascading growth habit which means they tend to develop into several upright branches with multiple sprouts. This can result in a very bushy appearance.
Crepe myrtle trees can grow to heights of 20-30 feet and can live for decades. Crepe myrtles are known for their beautiful pink flowers. They are very disease resistant and can survive in dry areas, as long as they get adequate water.
Crepe myrtles will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, as long as they are well-drained. Crepe myrtles can be planted in many different types of soil without problems. They are very easy to grow and care for.
How to Grow a Crepe Myrtle Tree From a Branch?
Growing a myrtle tree from a branch requires some important considerations that include:
Choosing the right branch
Choose myrtle stems that are about 6-inches (15 cm) long. Remove the lower leaves so that you are only left with the topmost one or two pairs of leaves. Plant these cuttings in a blend of peat and river sand, or a special cutting soil mix. Keep the soil a little moist until germination happens.
Using the right soil
To grow your myrtle cutting, you will need to use a rooting powder mixed in good fertile soil. The roots will grow deeper and faster in good soil, than in poor soil. When the plant begins to grow roots, it’s time to transplant the cutting into a container and place it in a warm room for a week or so until the plant roots are established.
Planting
After your plant has grown a few leaves, it’s time to transplant it into the garden. Plant it about 12 inches (30 cm) away from the other plants in your garden. A myrtle needs plenty of room to grow.
After the cutting has been transplanted into the growing location, it is best to keep the soil damp but not too wet. Water the new plant daily for the first three weeks. The soil should be kept moist at all times, but not soggy.
Keeping the tree well-watered
Give the plant water regularly and keep it well-fed. The plant needs to be watered whenever it is dry. Not watering enough will also cause the leaves to turn yellow and will eventually kill the plant if not watered.
Feeding the plant
Use a slow-release fertilizer or organic fertilizer at least twice a month. Be careful with the amount of fertilizer you use; too much fertilizer can burn your myrtle plant.
You will notice that your new tree needs some extra feeding now and then. This is because it is growing and developing and is not yet getting enough food to grow as fast as it would if it were planted in its permanent home. For the first few weeks after planting you will need to give the tree a good feed.
In springtime, when the leaves have developed, you will need to feed them again. After that, you should feed every two months or so with a fertilizer solution. Crepe myrtles are heavy feeders, and may need more than this.
Prune out the dead leaves
The tree should look healthy. You should be able to see the branches growing from the trunk. The branches should be strong and they should not be sagging. The leaves should be shiny and green. It’s best to prune any leaves that look damaged or unhealthy.
Tips on How to Grow a Crepe Myrtle Tree From a Branch
To grow a healthy crepe myrtle tree from a branch successfully, follow these tips:
- Ensure the cutting gets enough roots before you transplant it to the growing location. This will ensure that the root system can withstand the impact of being transplanted.
- Select a growing location with adequate sunlight. If the tree does not get enough sunlight, it will likely die.
- Water the tree regularly. Watering the tree regularly will ensure that the tree gets enough water.
- Fertilize regularly. This plant is a heavy feeder, in comparison to other plants.
Final Thoughts
Growing your own crepe myrtle tree is one of the most satisfying ways of taking care of your landscape. However, if you ask gardeners, not many will be able to tell you how to grow a crepe myrtle tree from a branch. Learning how to grow your own will make it easy for your fellow gardeners, and you can even share this important information.
Read more about How To Grow A Birch Tree From Seed?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Root a Crape Myrtle Cutting in Water?
Yes, you can! But don’t let the name “crape myrtle” fool you. There are many varieties of crape myrtles and some of them are hard to root. You need to be careful when choosing the variety of crape myrtle that you buy.
Can You Dig up and Replant Crepe Myrtles?
Yes, you can! We recommend planting your new crepe myrtle in a container and then transplanting it into your garden once it has reached its full size.
Do Crape Myrtle Seeds Need Stratification?
Yes, crape myrtle seeds do require stratification before they can germinate. In the fall, place your crape myrtle seed in a paper bag, or other plastic bag and keep it in a warm area (70 degrees F) for two weeks.
What is the Root System of a Crepe Myrtle?
The root system of a crepe myrtle is very extensive. While they may not be very deep, they spread over a wide area. In fact, the roots of a crepe myrtle may be two to three times the diameter of the tree itself!