Crape Myrtle I found at our local nursery

[Pattik]

Pretty excited about this nursery "find" I got last Friday. Whats everyones' thoughts.

 

[JudyB]

I think that I'd remove one of the middle two branches, and get that broom style going! I would also try to get a sacrifice branch down low to grow the base out. And spread those roots as soon as you can in a shallower container. You'll want to get the roots growing sideways instead of down. These are pretty easy, esp. probably in your warm climate, so you should be able to work it pretty hard.
Nice find.

 

[Pattik]

Thanks Judy, and I think I'll follow that advice on removing one of the two middle branches. Unfortunately, I got overzealous or just too excited and removed a branch that was sitting at the soil line. Should have hung on to that one.

 

[JudyB]

Well I bet it will rebud there, just don't cut it off again

 

[Pattik]

Appreciate the input Judy, hopefully it will rebud there.

 

[sorce]

If that back branch is nice, I'd remove those 2 visible middle ones.

Nice tree!

Sorce

 

[Pattik]

Thanks Sorce. Here is pic of the other side. Pics are deceiving as there are only 4 branches. If I remove middle two there will be nothing in the center.

 

[qwade]

Pat
I could see maybe removing 1 middle branch but not both. My self I hate to cut anything before its time. Would leave both and probably try to wire the 'extra branch' and move it more appropriately. Your dog looks like my wifes ' jack a poo ' Jack . Although his markings are more tannish.

 

[Pattik]

Good thought Qwade. I think I will take this to my bonsai class and see what my teacher and students think. I too hate eliminating branches before their time and wiring is a good idea.

That's my rescue dog Ivey. She passed some years ago and although badly abused prior to me getting she was the best dog ever. I miss her still.

 

[Zach Smith]

Crape myrtle branches get very stiff once they reach a certain size. No wiring at that point, for they're also very brittle. The good news is, they backbud extremely well so you can cut back hard and wire in movement between soft shoot stage and rigid branch stage.

Zach

 

[sorce]

Thanks Sorce. Here is pic of the other side. Pics are deceiving as there are only 4 branches. If I remove middle two there will be nothing in the center.

I see.

I do like this side better, the base looks much wider.

Sorce

 

[Pattik]

Zach is right. The smaller branches I trimmed were very brittle. These larger ones would never bend without cracking. Thanks for your input.