How do you root crepe myrtle cuttings? Take 4 to 6 inch (10–15 cm) crepe myrtle cuttings of semi-hardwood growth between late May and August, with no flowers or seed heads. Dip them in rooting hormone, stick several in sterile moist potting soil, and seal the pot in a clear plastic bag in bright light without direct sun. University of Arkansas Extension says crape myrtles root rather easily this way.
Key takeaway: Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia, also spelled crape myrtle) is one of the most rewarding summer shrubs to clone. Mississippi State University Extension lists crapemyrtle among plants that root easily from both softwood and hardwood cuttings, and University of Missouri Extension lists softwood cuttings for crepe myrtle.
| Factor | Guideline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Best timing for crepe myrtle cuttings | Late May–mid July; June–August | UA Extension |
| Cutting type | Semi-hardwood; softwood or hardwood also root | UA Extension; MSU |
| Cutting length | 3–6 in (8–15 cm) | UA Extension |
| Rooting mix | Sterile moist potting soil | UA Extension |
| Cover | Sealed clear plastic bag | UA Extension |
| Light | Bright, no direct sun | UA Extension |
When Should You Take Crepe Myrtle Cuttings?
Early to mid summer is ideal. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture answers say crape myrtles can be rooted from cuttings taken from late May through mid July, and also root rather easily from cuttings taken June through August. Iowa State University Extension describes semi-hardwood cuttings as current-season growth that is firm with full-size leaves and has just become woody.
- Softwood: new spring growth; MSU lists crapemyrtle as easy.
- Semi-hardwood: late May to August; the Arkansas pick.
- Hardwood: dormant stems; MSU lists crapemyrtle as easy.
How Do You Take Crepe Myrtle Cuttings?
Pick new growth that has started to harden a bit, the UA Extension advice says, and cut pieces about 3 to 5 inches (13 cm) long with no flowers or seed heads. A second UA answer suggests taking multiple cuttings 4 to 6 inches (10–15 cm) long. Cut just below a node, strip the lower leaves, and keep a few leaves at the top.
- Choose firm, non-flowering current-season shoots.
- Cut 3–6 inch (8–15 cm) pieces below a node.
- Remove flowers, seed heads and lower leaves.
- Dip the base in rooting hormone.
- Stick several cuttings in sterile moist potting soil.
- Seal the pot inside a clear plastic bag.
Do Crepe Myrtle Cuttings Need Rooting Hormone?
It is recommended. The UA Extension method dips cuttings in rooting hormone before sticking them, and Iowa State notes rooting hormones increase the percentage of cuttings that root, the speed of rooting, and the number of roots. Tap off excess powder so only a light coating remains. Our rooting hormone guide compares powder, gel and liquid forms.
What Medium Should You Use for Crepe Myrtle Cuttings?
UA Extension uses sterile, moist potting soil. University of Missouri Extension adds that perlite works best mixed 1:1 with peat or vermiculite, and warns that heavy soils pack tightly and should not be used for rooting. Very fine sand is also a poor choice because it has poor aeration. Our perlite propagation guide covers mixing a light rooting medium.
- Sterile potting soil or perlite blend.
- Avoid heavy garden soil.
- Avoid very fine sand.
How Do You Keep Crepe Myrtle Cuttings Humid?
Make a mini greenhouse. UA Extension says to put the pot and cuttings inside a clear plastic bag, seal it, and set it in a bright location without direct sunlight, which keeps moisture and humidity constant. Check every few days for mold and open the bag briefly if condensation is heavy. A propagation box works the same way for larger batches.
How Long Do Crepe Myrtle Cuttings Take to Root?
Crepe myrtle cuttings root at different speeds depending on stem maturity. UA Extension notes that the woodier the cutting, the longer it takes to root, so semi-hardwood cuttings generally beat hardwood ones. Iowa State suggests checking softwood cuttings at about 4 to 5 weeks. New leaves and resistance to a gentle tug signal roots.
Can You Root Crepe Myrtle Suckers?
Yes, with care. UA Extension says most suckers around the trunk lack their own roots because they are attached to the mother plant. They can be rooted like cuttings, but late-season suckers removed in fall should be rooted indoors in a container with potting soil rather than left outdoors over winter, where they would not survive.
How Do You Care for Rooted Crepe Myrtle Cuttings?
Wean them off the bag over several days, then move each cutting to its own pot of potting mix. Iowa State recommends removing covers without letting cuttings wilt and transplanting into individual pots after a few days. Grow them in bright light and plant out once well rooted. Our humidity dome guide explains gradual venting.
Which Crepe Myrtle Cuttings Root Best?
Semi-hardwood stems are the sweet spot for home growers. UA Extension says to take new growth that has started to harden a bit, with no flowers or seed heads, and notes that woodier cuttings take longer. MSU Extension lists crapemyrtle among plants that root easily from softwood and hardwood cuttings, so you can also try either if you miss the summer window.
- Best: firm new growth, late May to August.
- Avoid: shoots carrying flowers or seed heads.
- Slower: fully woody, older stems.
Can Crepe Myrtle Cuttings Root in Water?
The UA Extension method uses sterile moist potting soil, not water. Soil-rooted crepe myrtle cuttings avoid the stress of moving water roots into a pot later. If you try water anyway, use a clean jar, change the water every few days, and pot up once roots are about an inch (2.5 cm) long.
FAQ About Crepe Myrtle Cuttings
When should you take crepe myrtle cuttings?
Late May through August.
How long should crepe myrtle cuttings be?
About 3 to 6 inches (15 cm).
Do crepe myrtle cuttings need hormone?
Recommended; it improves rooting.
What soil roots crepe myrtle cuttings?
Sterile moist potting soil or a perlite blend.
Can you root crepe myrtle from hardwood?
Yes; MSU lists hardwood as easy.
Why are my crepe myrtle cuttings slow?
Woodier cuttings take longer to root.
Sources
- University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture — Propagating: Cuttings
- Mississippi State University Extension — Propagating Plants for the Home Landscape (P3952)
- University of Missouri Extension — Home Propagation of Garden and Landscape Plants (G6970)
- Iowa State University Extension — Propagation of Deciduous Trees and Shrubs from Semi-Hardwood Cuttings
- Iowa State University Extension — Propagating Shrubs and Trees from Softwood Cuttings
- Photo credits (Wikimedia Commons, edited with titles): Red Crepe Myrtle — Lagerstroemia by Jim Evans (CC BY-SA 4.0); Lagerstroemia indica, inflorescence, Pionirski park by Gmihail at Serbian Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0 rs); Lagerstroemia indica MHNT Jardin des Plantes de Toulouse by Didier Descouens (CC BY-SA 4.0)