Crape myrtle is a beautiful flowering tree that blooms on new wood. By cutting it back in late winter or early spring, you’ll get the most out of this plant. But pruning doesn’t just give you a better looking, healthier tree — you’ll have more flowers, too.

The photo at left shows crape myrtle that hasn’t been pruned at all. Last year’s seed pods remain on the plant, even after new leaves emerge. Don’t let this happen to your tree!

The good news is that it’s not too late to cut back crape myrtle, and we’ve got an easy how-to just ahead.

Follow these simple steps for lots of beautiful blossoms!

Step 1: Grab hold of the stem of a cluster of seed pods and trace it back to where it meets a branch.

Step 2: Snip about 6 inches above that point, just like we did in the photo at left. New branches will appear below the cut and set buds and bloom.

Step 3: If your crape myrtle’s an established tree, finish by removing any suckers from its base.