Saving a Broken Crepe Myrtle: Rooting the Severed Stems

When a crepe myrtle stem breaks at ground level, you can root the pieces to replace the plant.

Cutting Protocol

1. Cut broken stem into 8-inch sections.
2. Strip all but top 2–3 leaves.
3. Dip ends in rooting hormone (Rootone).
4. Insert 2 inches into moist soilless mix.
5. Keep warm and damp; roots form in ~2 months.
6. Check by gentle probing; pot up rooted cuttings.
7. Harden off 10 days in shade before planting in full sun.

Soilless Mix Defined

A sterile medium containing peat, perlite, vermiculite—no garden soil. Find at independent garden centers (not big-box stores). If unavailable, use clean, moist sand.