How to propagate crape myrtle

Grafting

This method should be carried out between late February and early March each year, before the crape myrtle branches sprout.

Strongly developed seedlings should be selected as rootstocks for grafting. The choice of scion can be based on personal preference for flower color. Cleft grafting is often used for grafting.

First, make a vertical split about 5-8 cm deep on the outer part of the top of the rootstock, then take a scion about 5-8 cm long with two buds and cut it into a wedge shape, then insert it into the split of the rootstock aligned with the cambium; then wrap the whole scion with plastic film, leaving only the buds exposed.

This method can be used to graft branches of different colors in layers onto a rootstock to create "one tree with multiple colors".

Crape Myrtle Hardwood Cuttings

This method is generally used between mid-to-late March and early April , before the branches sprout.

The cuttings need to be pruned from one-year-old strong branches to about 15 cm in length, and then inserted into a well-drained, loose sandy loam seedling bed. The best depth for cuttings is to expose the top bud of the cuttings. After completion, water it thoroughly and cover it with plastic film to keep it warm and moist.

When the seedlings grow to about 15-20 cm, remove the film and replace them with shade nets for maintenance. Also, water them appropriately, and you can get branches about 60-80 cm long in the same year.

Crape Myrtle Softwood Cuttings

This method should be carried out between July and August , when new branches are growing vigorously.

Choose semi-lignified branches for cuttings, trim them to a length of 8-10 cm, and leave 2-3 leaves on the top. The depth of cuttings should be about 3-4cm . Then water it thoroughly and provide appropriate shade.

It will usually take root after about 20 days. It still needs proper shading and moderate watering. The branch survival rate is high and it can grow to about 60-80 cm in the same year.

Crepe Myrtle Layering Propagation

This method can be effectively carried out throughout the growing period of Crape Myrtle, and the best time is March -April in spring.

If the aerial layering method is used, the branches should be 1-2 year old and strong. Use a knife to peel the bark of the branches about 1.5 cm, with the depth being enough to expose the wood. Apply diluted rooting powder solution about 3 cm above the wound.

After the powder liquid has dried, put a cylindrical plastic bag over the wound, fill it with loose garden soil, and pierce both ends of the bag after watering. Check again after a month, paying attention to keeping the soil in the bag moist. After the roots grow out, you can cut it off and plant it.