Deadheading (removing dead or dying blooms) is a great way to encourage a second flowering for many plants. As an experienced gardener, I know that with the right timing and method, you can encourage your crape myrtles to blossom again in late summer.
To deadhead crape myrtles for a second bloom, simply remove fading flowers by cutting the stem just below the spent bloom using pruning shears. When you do this in July, it can stimulate new growth and extend the flowering season into late summer.
However, timing is crucial — deadheading too late in the season can leave new growth vulnerable to cold damage. Follow the timing and process tips I’ve outlined below for properly deadheading flowers.
When to Deadhead Crape Myrtles
Stick to a July Deadline
If the blooms on your crape myrtles are 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.
Leave Late Bloomers Alone
Depending on your climate, many popular crape myrtle varieties don’t start blooming until June and keep on going straight through until fall. These varieties shouldn’t be deadheaded. Not only can cold weather damage them, but they probably won’t have time to produce more blossoms anyway. Let these late bloomers follow their natural cycle.
Watch the Weather
Pay attention to weather forecasts, especially overnight low temperatures, when timing your deadheading. This is particularly important if you’re growing a crape myrtle in a cold climate. Avoid deadheading if temperatures are expected to dip below 45°F, as tender new growth can easily be damaged.
Don’t Wait For the Flowers to Fully Brown
Deadheading is easiest when flowers are still fresh. Once blooms dry out and petals begin dropping, removing the entire head is more difficult.
How to Deadhead Crape Myrtles
Once you’ve determined it’s the right time to deadhead your crape myrtles, follow these straightforward steps for removing spent blooms:
- Examine your crape myrtle trees for any flowers that are fading in color or beginning to brown. These are ready to be removed.
- Use a pair of bypass pruners or gardening scissors to cut through the stem just below the spent bloom. The stem will be thin, so little effort is required.
- Remove any dropped petals still clinging to the plant. These can provide a home for pests and diseases.
- Discard the cut flower heads in the trash or compost if they don’t show signs of disease. Don’t leave them piled at the base of the tree.
- Repeat this process every two to three days through July as the flowers continue to fade. Stay on top of deadheading to encourage the most rebloom possible.
- When cutting, avoid pruning back new leafy growth. Only remove actual flower heads.
Tips to Maximize Blooms
Beyond deadheading, follow these tips to get the most out of your crape myrtle’s blooming cycles:
Crape myrtles thrive in full sunlight. Make sure to plant them where they’ll get at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sun is ideal.
Pruning crape myrtles too early in spring can reduce blooms for that season. If you’re not sure when to prune crape myrtle, wait until after the spring flowering, then thin out old branches and shape the canopy.
Apply a balanced fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs in early spring to give plants the nutrients they need. Organic options like compost also work well. If you’re not big on composting, start by tossing used coffee grounds into your garden.
Droughts can cause crape myrtle buds to drop. Provide supplemental water during extended dry periods. Deep weekly soakings are better than frequent light watering.
Aphids, Japanese beetles, and powdery mildew can impact crape myrtle health and flowering. Watch for signs and take pest control measures as needed.
What Varieties of Crape Myrtle are Best for Deadheading?
Not all crape myrtle varieties respond equally to deadheading — early-blooming varieties like ‘Natchez,’ ‘Tuscarora,’ and ‘Sioux’ are excellent candidates for deadheading. These types typically start flowering in early summer, allowing enough time for them to bloom a second time.
Dwarf varieties such as ‘Pocomoke’ and ‘Chickasaw’ also respond well to deadheading due to their compact growth habit. However, late-blooming varieties like ‘Biloxi’ and ‘Miami’ usually don’t have enough time to produce a second flush of flowers before the season ends.
What to Avoid While Deadheading Crape Myrtles
When deadheading crape myrtles, avoid cutting into woody stems or removing new growth. Only remove the spent flower heads and their stems. Don’t deadhead after July, as this can stimulate tender new growth that may not survive colder weather.
Avoid using dull or dirty pruning tools, which can damage the plant and potentially spread diseases. Finally, don’t neglect other aspects of care, such as watering and fertilizing, which are crucial for supporting healthy blooming.
Other Ornamental Trees That Bloom All Year
While crape myrtles offer extended blooming periods, some ornamental flowering trees can provide year-round color. Citrus trees, when grown in suitable climates, can bloom and fruit simultaneously. Tibouchina trees, with their vibrant purple flowers, bloom almost continuously in warm regions and are decently drought tolerant.
Bottlebrush trees are known for their extended flowering season and low maintenance, often blooming multiple times a year. In tropical areas, Royal Poinciana trees offer spectacular displays of red-orange flowers for several months during the growing season.
So, Is Deadheading Crape Myrtles Worth It?
Getting crape myrtle trees to bloom a second time requires careful timing, but the extra effort can extend the floral display. For gardeners who treasure the vibrant summer flowers of these ornamental trees, deadheading spent blooms in July is certainly worth a try.
By carefully removing spent blooms in July using clean, sharp pruning shears, you can encourage your crape myrtles to produce a second flush of flowers.
Pay close attention to weather forecasts and only remove faded blossoms when there is ample warm weather ahead for new growth. A second round of blooms likely won’t be as prolific, but even a smattering of late-summer flowers can keep the landscape looking lively.
FAQs About Deadheading Crape Myrtles
How do I know if my crape myrtle variety will rebloom after deadheading?
Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee your crape myrtle will bloom again after deadheading. Your best clues are the natural bloom time and your local climate/growing zone. Varieties that bloom later in the summer are less likely to rebloom compared to early bloomers. Cooler climates also have shorter windows for reblooming before frost arrives.
Should I use a special technique when cutting off dead crape myrtle flowers?
No special technique is required. Use a pair of sharp bypass pruners or garden scissors to snip through the stem just below the spent flower. Avoid accidentally pruning back new green growth.
How low on the stem should I cut when deadheading crape myrtles?
Only the actual flowers need to be removed, so there’s no need to cut far down the stem when deadheading crape myrtles. Carefully cut just below the spent flower through the tiny stem. Cutting into older wood is unnecessary and can discourage reblooming.
Can I deadhead crape myrtles too much?
It is possible to over-deadhead crape myrtles if you get carried away, removing both spent blooms and new buds as they start to form. To avoid this, carefully examine each flower and just remove those that are truly faded. Leave emerging buds in place so they can continue to develop. Deadheading every two to three days is enough in most cases.
What's the best tool for deadheading crape myrtles?
Bypass pruners and gardening scissors are ideal for deadheading crape myrtles. Both make clean cuts through the small connecting stems beneath the spent flowers. Small hand pruners are usually the easiest to maneuver within the tree canopy. Make sure the blades are sharp for easy cutting.
Will deadheading crape myrtles affect next year's blooms?
No, properly timed deadheading won’t negatively impact next year’s blooms. It can actually promote healthier growth and more-robust flowering in subsequent seasons.
