How to Root a Crape Myrtle

Prepare growing medium by filling a small pot with a well-draining potting soil. You can also make your own rooting medium by mixing together equal parts of sand, perlite and peat. Pour about an inch of the rooting hormone in the plastic cup.

Cut 4- to 6-inch long sections of non-flowering, softwood stems, measuring from the stem tips. Use a sharp clean scissors.

Insert a pencil about 2 inches deep into the planting medium to create planting holes. Remove all leaves from the lower half of each cutting.

Dip the base of each cutting into the rooting hormone and then plant immediately into separate planting holes. Plant at a depth of about 2 inches.

Firm the soil around the cuttings. Rooting hormones are not necessary but they hasten the production of roots.

Water the pot well. Cover with a large, clear plastic bag to help create a greenhouse effect. Close top with a rubber band. Place in a warm, bright area out of direct sunlight.

Open bag every three to four days and water enough to keep soil moist. Cuttings should root in four to six weeks. Once rooted, move to larger, individual containers. Let plants get well established before moving to permanent spots in the ground.