{"id":12143,"date":"2024-08-02T23:07:12","date_gmt":"2024-08-02T23:07:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topat10.com\/?p=12143"},"modified":"2024-08-02T23:07:12","modified_gmt":"2024-08-02T23:07:12","slug":"how-to-deadhead-crape-myrtles-for-second-blooming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topat10.com\/?p=12143","title":{"rendered":"How to Deadhead Crape Myrtles for Second Blooming"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Deadheading, or removing dead or dying blooms, is a great way to encourage a second flowering for many plants. As an experienced gardener, I know with the right timing and method, you can encourage your crape myrtles to blossom again in late summer.<\/p>\n

To deadhead crape myrtles for a second bloom, simply remove fading flowers by cutting the stem just below the spent bloom using pruning shears. This process \u2014 when you do it in July \u2014 can stimulate new growth and extend the flowering season into late summer. <\/p>\n

However, timing is crucial \u2014 deadheading too late in the season can leave new growth vulnerable to cold damage. Follow these tips for timing and steps for properly deadheading flowers<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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When to Deadhead Crape Myrtles<\/h2>\n

Many varieties of crape myrtles can be encouraged to bloom a second time, but timing is important. Deadheading crape myrtles encourages new sprouts and blooms. However, if you deadhead too late in the season, cold weather can damage the tender new growth.<\/p>\n

Follow these timing guidelines when deadheading your crape myrtles:<\/p>\n

Stick to a July Deadline<\/h3>\n

If the blooms on your crape myrtles are already fading by the end of July, deadheading can encourage another bloom in late summer. Remove spent flowers as soon as you notice them beginning to fade or turn brown. Targeting deadheading in July allows enough warm weather for new buds to form and open.<\/p>\n

Leave Late-Bloomers Alone<\/h3>\n

Depending on your climate, many popular crape myrtle varieties don\u2019t start blooming until June and keep on going straight through until fall. These varieties shouldn\u2019t be deadheaded. Not only can cold weather damage them, but they probably won\u2019t have time to produce more blossoms anyway. Let these late-bloomers follow their natural cycle.<\/p>\n

Watch the Weather<\/h3>\n

Pay attention to weather forecasts, especially overnight low temperatures, when timing your deadheading. This is particularly important if you\u2019re growing a crape myrtle in a cold climate<\/a>. Avoid deadheading if temperatures are expected to dip below 45\u00b0F, as tender new growth can easily be damaged.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Wait For the Flowers to Fully Brown<\/h3>\n

Deadheading is easiest when flowers are still fresh. Once blooms dry out and petals begin dropping, removing the entire head is more difficult.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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