AboutTom Alonzo Expertise I have been a gardener for 20 years with perennials both growing from seed and from nurseries. I went through the Master Gardener Program from Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service and I answered questions on the Hotline a few years ago for the Wyandotte County Kansas Extension Service. I have also lived in the Florida, California, Hawaii, Arizona, Texas, Kansas and Missouri and am experienced with a variety of climates, soils and weather conditions.
Experience I have been growing perennials for over 20 years now. I am self-taught mostly except for a master gardener class. I have experimented with all kinds of perennials including many that are not common to my area. I have read hundreds of books and grown hundreds of varieties of plants and hope to make it a business some day. I have become versed in botanical names and growing conditions and what I don't know off of the top of my head I can usually easily find in my vast array of research material and botanical and horticultural contacts. I especially enjoy experimenting with growing plants out of zone.
Question I have two Tonto Crape Myrtles that are 5 years old and very healthy. They have bloomed nicely each year. I did light pruning only but did this just after the new spring growth started this year. Both plants have healthy new growth on all branches but do not seem to be going to bloom. I did fertilize with Miracle gro spray liquid just after pruning. Will they still bloom this year or do I have to do something? I am in Belair, Maryland and it is July 3rd. thanks
Answer Hi Ron,
Thanx for your question. By pruning this past Spring you probably cut off the blooming buds. You should prune only directly after the shrub has bloomed or is blooming. If you haven't had buds by now, you will not have any this year. I hope this helps.
Tom
