How to Grow Crepe Myrtle from Cuttings: A Comprehensive Guide

Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a beloved flowering shrub that produces vibrant blooms in shades of pink, red, white, and purple during the summer months. Known for its striking flowers, attractive bark, and year-round appeal, crepe myrtle has become a staple in many gardens, parks, and landscapes. One of the most popular and easiest ways to propagate crepe myrtle is by taking cuttings, a method that allows you to produce new plants identical to the parent plant.

Growing crepe myrtle from cuttings is a cost-effective and rewarding way to increase the number of these beautiful plants in your garden or landscape. Whether you are looking to propagate your existing plants or create new ones to give away as gifts, learning how to take and root crepe myrtle cuttings is an essential skill for any gardener. This comprehensive guide will take you through the entire process, from preparing your cuttings to caring for the rooted plants.

What is Crepe Myrtle?

Crepe myrtle is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Southeast Asia, but it has become widely grown around the world, particularly in the southern United States. Known for its long-lasting summer flowers, crepe myrtle adds significant value to any garden with its stunning, multi-colored blossoms. In addition to its flowers, crepe myrtle also boasts attractive bark that exfoliates in patches, revealing smooth, cinnamon-colored trunks beneath.

Crepe myrtles are hardy in USDA zones 6-9, and they typically grow to be 10 to 30 feet tall, depending on the variety. They can be grown as shrubs or trees and are perfect for planting in gardens, lawns, and along streets. These plants are generally low-maintenance and resistant to pests and diseases.

While crepe myrtles are commonly grown from seeds or purchased from nurseries, propagating them from cuttings is a highly effective and accessible method for gardeners looking to create new plants.

Why Grow Crepe Myrtle from Cuttings?

Growing crepe myrtle from cuttings has several advantages:

  1. Cost-Effective: Purchasing mature crepe myrtle plants can be expensive, especially if you want to fill a large area with them. Growing them from cuttings is a much more affordable option.

  2. Clonal Propagation: By taking cuttings from an existing crepe myrtle, you ensure that the new plants are genetically identical to the parent plant. This allows you to replicate the same flower color, size, and growth habits that you enjoy in the parent plant.

  3. Faster Growth: When you propagate from cuttings, the new plants tend to establish themselves faster and flower sooner than plants grown from seed. This is because they already have the mature genetic traits of the parent plant.

  4. Preservation of Varieties: If you have a particularly unique or rare variety of crepe myrtle, propagating it from cuttings ensures that you can preserve that specific cultivar.

Choosing the Right Time for Taking Crepe Myrtle Cuttings

Timing is a crucial factor in successfully propagating crepe myrtle from cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the late spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. This is when crepe myrtles have strong, healthy growth that is ideal for rooting. Take cuttings from new growth that is firm but still somewhat flexible.

Avoid taking cuttings during the winter months, as the plant will be dormant and less likely to root successfully. Similarly, taking cuttings during extreme heat may result in poor rooting due to dehydration or stress.

Materials Needed to Take Crepe Myrtle Cuttings

Before starting the cutting process, gather all the necessary materials to ensure you have everything you need. Here is a list of the materials you will require:

  1. Sharp Pruning Shears or Scissors: Clean, sharp pruning shears are necessary to make clean cuts on the branches.

  2. Rooting Hormone: While crepe myrtle cuttings can root without rooting hormone, it’s recommended to use a rooting hormone to promote faster and more successful root growth.

  3. Clean Containers: You will need small pots, containers, or trays to root your cuttings. Ensure that the containers have drainage holes to prevent water from collecting at the bottom.

  4. Well-Draining Potting Mix: A good quality potting mix is essential for rooting. A mix of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss provides the ideal environment for root development.

  5. Plastic Wrap or Clear Plastic Bags: This will be used to create a humid environment around your cuttings to prevent them from drying out.

  6. Water: A shallow dish or container of water for soaking the cuttings.

  7. Labeling Supplies: It’s helpful to label each cutting with the date it was taken so you can track its progress.

Step-by-Step Process for Taking and Rooting Crepe Myrtle Cuttings

Follow these detailed steps to take and root crepe myrtle cuttings successfully:

Step 1: Prepare the Plant

  • Choose Healthy Growth: Select healthy, non-flowering stems that are about 6 to 8 inches long. Avoid using stems that have flower buds, as they will divert energy from root development.

  • Cutting Selection: Look for stems that are not too soft (as these may not root) but are not too woody either. Semi-hardwood cuttings work best, which means the stems should be firm but still green and flexible.

Step 2: Take the Cuttings

  • Use your pruning shears to cut a 6-8 inch long segment from the tip of the selected stem.

  • Ensure your cut is just below a leaf node (the small bulge where leaves emerge from the stem). Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, leaving just a few leaves at the top.

  • Remove any flowers or flower buds from the cutting, as this will help the plant focus its energy on rooting rather than flowering.

Step 3: Apply Rooting Hormone (Optional)

  • Dip the bottom end of the cutting (where the leaves were removed) into rooting hormone. Gently tap the cutting to remove any excess powder. The rooting hormone helps to promote faster and more robust root growth.

Step 4: Prepare the Potting Mix

  • Fill your container with a well-draining potting mix. If you’re mixing your own, combine equal parts of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss to create a loose, airy medium that retains moisture but drains well.

  • Moisten the potting mix with water before inserting the cuttings, but do not make it soaking wet. The mix should be damp to the touch but not soggy.

Step 5: Insert the Cutting into the Potting Mix

  • Create a hole in the potting mix using a pencil or stick and carefully insert the bottom end of the cutting into the hole. Be sure that the cutting is inserted deep enough for stability, at least 2 to 3 inches into the soil.

  • Press the soil around the cutting gently to ensure it stands upright and is held securely in place.

Step 6: Create a Humid Environment

  • Cover the cutting with plastic wrap or place it inside a clear plastic bag. This will help maintain high humidity around the cutting, which is essential for preventing it from drying out. If using plastic wrap, make sure it does not touch the cutting itself. The goal is to keep the humidity high while allowing the cutting to breathe.

  • If you have multiple cuttings, you can place them in a propagation tray with a humidity dome or a large, clear plastic container.

Step 7: Place the Cutting in the Right Location

  • Place the container with the cutting in a warm, well-lit location. Ideal temperatures for rooting crepe myrtle cuttings are between 70°F and 80°F (21°C to 27°C). Avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch the cuttings or overheat the container. Indirect light works best.

Step 8: Keep the Cutting Moist

  • Check the cutting regularly to ensure the potting mix remains moist but not waterlogged. Mist the cutting with water every day to maintain humidity. Be cautious not to let water accumulate at the bottom of the container, as this can cause rot.

Step 9: Wait for Roots to Develop

  • Crepe myrtle cuttings usually take about 4 to 6 weeks to root. During this time, the cutting will form roots and begin to establish itself. You can gently tug on the cutting after a few weeks to check if it has developed roots. If there is resistance, the cutting is ready to be transplanted.

Transplanting the Rooted Crepe Myrtle Cutting

Once your cutting has developed roots, it is time to transplant it into a larger pot or directly into the ground.

  1. Prepare the New Container or Garden Bed: If transplanting into a pot, choose a container that is a few inches larger than the root ball of the cutting. Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the container has drainage holes.

  2. Transplant the Cutting: Gently remove the cutting from the rooting medium and place it in the new container. Fill in around the roots with more potting mix, pressing down gently to remove any air pockets.

  3. Watering: Water the cutting thoroughly after transplanting to help settle the soil around the roots.

  4. Gradual Acclimation: If you plan to transplant the cutting into the ground, harden it off by gradually exposing it to outdoor conditions over the course of 7 to 10 days. Begin by placing the cutting in a shaded area for a few hours a day, gradually increasing the exposure to sunlight.

Caring for Your New Crepe Myrtle Plant

After transplanting, your newly rooted crepe myrtle plant will need consistent care to ensure it grows strong and healthy:

  1. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy during the establishment phase. Water deeply, especially in hot weather.

  2. Fertilizing: Once the plant has begun to grow actively, you can start fertilizing it. Use a balanced fertilizer or one that is higher in phosphorus and potassium to promote strong root development and flowering.

  3. Pruning: Prune your crepe myrtle to remove any dead or damaged growth, encourage a strong shape, and promote airflow. Avoid excessive pruning, as crepe myrtles naturally develop their own attractive shape.

  4. Sunlight: Crepe myrtles need full sunlight to thrive. Ensure that your plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.


Growing crepe myrtle from cuttings is a gratifying and simple process that allows you to propagate your favorite plants. With the right technique, patience, and care, you can create new plants that will bloom beautifully year after year. Whether you are growing crepe myrtles for your garden, landscaping, or as a gift for friends and family, propagating these lovely plants from cuttings is an excellent way to expand your collection.

By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve success in rooting and growing crepe myrtle from cuttings. Happy gardening!

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