This method should be carried out from late February to early March every year, that is, before the bud of crape myrtle branches.
The seedlings with strong growth should be selected as rootstock for grafting. The scion can be selected according to the individual's color preference. The scion is usually split.
First, a knife with a depth of about 5-8cm is set up at the peripheral part of the top of the rootstock, then the scions with two buds about 5-8cm long are cut into wedges, and then the split of the rootstock is inserted into the formation layer; then the whole scion strip is wrapped with plastic film, only the bud head is exposed.
With this method, branches of different colors can be grafted on one Rootstock to form "one tree with multiple colors".
The time of this method is generally between the late March to the early April, that is before the sprouting of branches.
The cuttings need to be pruned to about 15 cm long with strong annual branches, and then inserted into a well drained loose sandy loam seedbed to expose the cutting depth of the top bud of the cuttings. After completion, the water will be poured through, and the method of covering plastic film can be used for heat preservation and moisture preservation.
When the seedling is about 15-20cm long, remove the film, replace the shade net for maintenance, and water it properly, and the branches about 60-80cm long can be obtained in the same year.
The method should be carried out between July and August, i.e. the vigorous growth period of new branches.
The cuttings were selected from semi lignified branches, pruned to a length of 8-10 cm, and 2-3 leaves were left at the upper end. The cutting depth is about 3-4cm. Then, the water shall be poured through and properly shaded.
Generally, it can take root after about 20 days, and still needs to be properly shaded and watered. The survival rate of branches is high, and it can grow to about 60-80 cm in the same year.
This method can be carried out effectively in the whole growth period of Lagerstroemia specie, and the best time is March April in spring.
If air layering method is used, the strong branches of 1-2 years old shall be selected, and the branches shall be peeled with a knife about 1.5cm deep to expose the xylem, and the diluted rooting powder liquid shall be coated on the upper part of the wound about 3cm.
After the powder liquid is dried, the cylinder shaped plastic bag cover shall be put on the cut part, filled with loose garden soil, poured with water and then tied into both ends of the bag, and inspected after one month. Pay attention to the moisture preservation of the soil in the bag, and cut it off for planting after the root grows out.
