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Pruning Advice : Pruning a

Lagerstroemia
OCTEA
3 minutes

This shrub flowers from July through to August and forms itself
into a bushy clump in about 2 years or into a tree in about 3 to
4 years. Depending on its shape it can reach heights of
between 3m and 8m.

Lagerstroemia or Summer Lilac in bush form

Formative pruning
In the first year, following planting cut each branch back to just
above two buds this will encourage new shoots. The bud on
the upper side of the branch should be outward facing to
encourage the shape to open out and to avoid branches
growing inwards. In the second year carry out the same style
of pruning. If necessary cut out any branches that are sickly or
dead.

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Maintenance pruning
In the following years (in March) cut back the prior year's
branches to about a dozen centimetres in length, always
making sure to cut above an outward facing bud. Make sure
that the centre of the plant is well ventilated by cutting out any
weak branches, which prevent light getting into the shrub.

Lagerstroemia or Summer Lilac tree

Formative pruning
In the first year after planting, in March, stake the main central
stem upright and cut off the other branches (or cut them very
short). As the plant grows new shoots and leaves cut back any
horizontal branches to about 10cm in length. These small
branches will help the trunk to form but once this is achieved,

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cut them off.

In March of the second year, you can:

- Either repeat the pruning that was carried out in the first year
so that the trunk gets to a height of about 1m40 or more.
- Or begin to form the boughs of the future tree by cutting the
end of the central stem to leave three buds at the desired
height.

In March of the third year, cut back the three branches (new
boughs) to above the second or third bud.

In March of the fourth year cut back each branch just above
the second bud. Get rid of any lateral branches (if this has not
already been done).

Maintenance pruning
In the spring of the following years (in March) cut back all the
branches of the prior year to a short length, about 12cm above
their base and always above an outward facing bud. Allow air
and light to get to the centre of the tree by cutting out any
dead or weak branches.

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