Stressful weather conditions are inevitable factors that can harm your trees and shrubs.  If you’re lucky, mother nature may grant your plant a second chance.  Even with significant seasonal damage, you may be able to revive what’s left if there are signs of new growth.  For example, take a look at the crape myrtle ‘bush’ in the foreground.  Winter damage killed off the central trunk, but not the entire tree.  New shoots came up from the bottom, yielding a more bush-like form, which still produced a multitude of gorgeous flowers in the summertime.  This new form can be kept, or you may be able to achieve its former upright appearance. As new “suckers” begin to grow from below, you can select the 3-4 that look the strongest and let them grow, pruning the others away.  To encourage the “suckers” to develop nice and straight, twine can be used to help brace the new young trunks upwards.

To learn more about how to revive a stressed crape myrtle, stop by our nursery — our knowledgeable staff is happy to help!