How To Encourage Blooming And Growth Of Crepe Myrtle

Question From: T. Fields - Delbarton, West Virginia, United States
Q: My crepmyrtle is 3 years old and I still don't have any blooms. I take out the old stems from the previous year and just seems like it starts all over again every year. How do I get it to bloom and grow in statue at the same time.

A: I live on zone 5 and have no experience growing crepe myrtles. However, pruning out year old growth will keep the tree from putting on any height and will not encourage blooming. I'd leave it untouched for an entire season and see if that doesn't work. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy