CAN I PRUNE PURPLE MAGIC CRAPEMYRTLE INTO A TREE?

If your area has consistently warm winters, go for it! They probably won’t be a single trunk tree. Instead, they will be a multi-stem tree. Start by selecting several main branches coming up from the base that will be the trunks, 3-5 will work. Generally, odd numbers of trunks are best. Then, clean up these main branches removing the growth up to about 2’ this first year. Next year, take it up higher and keep the trunks clean of extra branches. You will then get to enjoy the beautiful bark and have a showy tree.