How to Plant Crape Myrtle From Cutting: Tips and Tools for Success (2026)

How to Start Plants from Cuttings is a self-published paperback guide that walks readers through the entire process of plant propagation. Written by Erna Hennie, the book targets both beginners and experienced gardeners who want a structured reference for growing new plants from cuttings. It covers everything from basic cutting selection to advanced grafting and layering, with separate chapters for perennials, shrubs, succulents, herbs, indoor plants, and edibles.

The standout strength is its comprehensive scope. The book explains how to set up a propagation station, use rooting hormones, and create the right humidity and light conditions. It also includes sustainable practices and tips for scaling up, which is useful for anyone thinking about running a small nursery. For the price, you get a lot of information packed into 161 pages.

However, the lack of visuals is a major drawback. Plant propagation is a hands-on activity where seeing the right cut or the correct potting depth matters. Without photos or diagrams, beginners may struggle to follow along. Additionally, the book does not name specific products or brands for rooting hormones or tools, which some readers found frustrating. The writing can feel repetitive, and there is no author bio to establish credibility.

That said, the book has helped some users succeed with challenging plants. If you are a patient learner who prefers text-based instruction and wants a broad overview without visual aids, this guide offers solid foundational knowledge. But if you need clear pictures or very specific product recommendations, you might want to look elsewhere.

Verdict: A useful reference for propagation theory and techniques, but held back by the absence of visuals and lack of detail on specific products. Worth considering for budget-conscious gardeners who are comfortable learning from text alone.

Bonide Bontone II Rooting Powder is a plant growth hormone designed to speed up root development on cuttings, seeds, bulbs, and transplants. It is a ready-to-use dust that makes propagation and transplanting easier for both indoor houseplants and outdoor garden plants. This product is especially useful for gardeners who want to increase their success rate when starting new plants from cuttings or moving established plants to new locations.

The standout feature of Bontone II is its ease of use. For cuttings, simply dip the end into the powder and place it in moist soil. For seeds or bulbs, put them in a bag with some powder and shake gently to coat. The hormone then stimulates root cell growth, helping plants establish quicker. It works on a broad range of species including azaleas, mums, geraniums, poinsettias, and many vegetables and fruit trees.

Built on Bonide's century-long reputation, this rooting powder is a reliable addition to any gardener's toolkit. The small 1.25 oz container is compact and affordable, though it may not last long for those with large gardens. The biggest drawback is that the powder is not water soluble, so you need to apply it carefully and avoid direct watering immediately after to prevent it from washing away.

Overall, if you regularly propagate plants or want to reduce transplant shock, Bonide Bontone II Rooting Powder is a solid choice. It delivers real results without complicated mixing or measuring.

Backyard Plant Propagation for Profit is a beginner-focused guide that shows you how to turn a love of plants into a real income stream. The author, S. Denise Hoyle, walks you through the entire process from identifying which plants to propagate to pricing and selling your cuttings. This book is ideal for hobbyists, retirees, or anyone looking to start a small nursery business from home without a big investment.

The standout feature is the practical, step-by-step approach. You will learn multiple propagation methods - cuttings, seeds, layering, and division - each with clear instructions and illustrations. The included worksheets help you calculate your costs and profit margins, which is a huge plus for beginners who may not know how to price their plants. The book also covers where to sell, from local farmers markets to online platforms like Etsy and Facebook Marketplace.

The design is straightforward: 179 pages of well-organized content. The book is printed in standard trade paperback size with a clean layout. There are no fancy graphics, but the illustrations are functional and easy to follow. The language is plain and conversational, making it accessible for readers with no business background.

One potential drawback is the limited number of reviews at the time of this review. With only two ratings (both 5-star), it is hard to gauge widespread reception. Also, while the book covers the essentials, experienced growers may find it too basic. The publication date is listed as October 2025, which might mean some online selling advice could be slightly dated as platforms evolve.

Overall, this is a solid, no-nonsense resource for anyone serious about turning plant cuttings into cash. If you are a complete beginner with a handful of plants and a desire to earn extra money, this book gives you a reliable roadmap. Just be aware that it is a starting point, not an exhaustive business manual.

Publisher: Independently published

Publication date: October 28, 2025

Language: English

Print length: 179 pages

ISBN-13: 979-8271907364

Item Weight: 11.7 ounces

Dimensions: 6 x 0.41 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #14 in Propagation & Cultivation Gardening, #164 in House Plant Gardening, #252 in Home-Based Businesses

The Garden Safe TakeRoot Rooting Hormone is a simple, reliable powder designed to help gardeners propagate new plants from stem cuttings. Whether you want to clone your favorite rose bush, start new African violets, or multiply your collection of succulents and houseplants, this product aims to boost your success rate. It's aimed at anyone from hobbyists to serious greenhouse growers who want a straightforward way to create new plants without buying them.

The active ingredient, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), is a synthetic version of the natural rooting hormone found in plants. This compound encourages cells at the cut end of a stem to develop into roots. The powder sticks to the moistened cutting and releases the hormone gradually as the cutting sits in its rooting medium. In practice, the product performs as advertised: after preparing a four to six inch cutting, removing lower leaves, dipping the end in powder, and placing it in potting soil, you can expect roots to form within a few weeks. The packaging recommends misting regularly and keeping the cutting in bright, indirect light - standard propagation advice that works well with this powder.

Build quality here is about the packaging and formulation. The two plastic jars have a twist off lid that seals tightly, but the powder is fine and can puff out if you open it carelessly. Each jar holds 2 ounces (4 ounces total), enough for many cuttings. The powder is a consistent light brown color and clumps slightly in humid conditions, but a quick stir fixes that. There are no measuring tools included, but the application method (dip and tap) doesn't require precise measurement - just cover the bottom inch of the cutting.

A potential drawback is that the product only works on stem and leaf cuttings - not seeds or grafting. And while it's forgiving, success still depends on proper cutting technique and clean tools. Also, the label warns against using it on edible crops without checking specific guidelines, though most ornamental plants are fine. Some users might prefer a gel or liquid for easier application, but the powder offers a longer shelf life if stored in a cool, dry place.

Overall, the Garden Safe TakeRoot Rooting Hormone is a practical, cost effective tool for plant propagation. It delivers what it promises: faster, more reliable rooting on a wide variety of plants. If you enjoy growing your own plants from cuttings, this two pack gives you plenty of product to work with. It's not a miracle worker - you still need to follow proper propagation practices - but it definitely tips the odds in your favor.

TPSNutrients Crepe Myrtle Fertilizer is a specialized liquid plant food designed to help crepe myrtle trees thrive. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or new to tree care, this product targets the unique nutritional needs of crepe myrtles, promoting vigorous growth and stunning blooms. The 8 oz bottle comes with easy-to-follow instructions, making it simple to get the dosage right from the start.

Customer reviews overwhelmingly praise its performance. One user whose tree had not bloomed in three years saw flowers after using this fertilizer. Others note that every possible stem bloomed, creating a spectacular display. The liquid formulation is absorbed quickly, leading to greener foliage and healthier branches even after accidental damage. With a nearly perfect 4.8-star rating from over 140 reviews, the real-world results speak for themselves.

The product is manufactured in the USA, adding a layer of trust and quality assurance. The compact bottle design stores easily and the measuring cap ensures precise application. While the packaging is straightforward, it does the job effectively without unnecessary frills. The liquid form also reduces waste compared to granular options, as you mix only what you need.

One potential drawback is the bottle size. At 8 ounces, larger trees may need multiple applications, and the per-ounce cost is higher than generic fertilizers. Additionally, results hinge on following the instructions carefully. If you skip applications or apply too much, you might not see the same benefits. But for dedicated crepe myrtle owners, these are minor tradeoffs for a product that delivers on its promises.

Overall, TPSNutrients Crepe Myrtle Fertilizer earns a strong recommendation. It is a targeted, effective solution for anyone looking to maximize blooms and keep their crepe myrtle trees healthy. The positive reviews and consistent results make it a smart buy for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

RHS How to Grow Plants for Free is a practical guide that shows you how to create new plants from the ones you already have. Written by Simon Akeroyd in association with the Royal Horticultural Society, it covers dividing plants, saving seeds, taking cuttings, and even growing new plants from kitchen scraps. This book is designed for gardeners of all skill levels, but it's especially helpful for beginners who want to build their collection without spending a lot of money.

The standout quality of this book is how it breaks down each propagation method into simple steps. The first section explains the science behind propagation in an easy-to-understand way, then each chapter focuses on a different technique. You'll find plant profiles that tell you exactly which species work best for each method and how to care for your new plants. The writing is clear and conversational, so you never feel overwhelmed by jargon.

In terms of design, the book features a clean layout with plenty of photos and diagrams. The Kindle version is well-formatted and includes enhanced typesetting, which makes reading on a phone or tablet comfortable. At 144 pages it's not a doorstopper, but it covers all the essential methods without extra fluff. Customers appreciate the helpful pictures and the author's approachable tone.

There are a few minor drawbacks. The physical copy has had reports of arriving with damaged covers or pages, so you may want to order the Kindle version if that's a concern. Also, experienced gardeners might find the content too basic since it's aimed at those new to propagation. The book doesn't cover every possible plant, but it covers the most popular ones for each technique.

Overall, RHS How to Grow Plants for Free is a solid investment for anyone who wants to expand their garden affordably. The advice is proven, the instructions are clear, and the price is more than fair for what you get. If you're ready to try your hand at making more plants from the ones you love, this guide will set you on the right path.

If you grow crepe myrtles, you know how rewarding they can be when they burst into color. But keeping them thriving takes the right nutrition. Carl Pool Crepe Myrtle Plant Food is a granular fertilizer with an 8-55-7 N-P-K ratio, which means it's heavy on phosphorus the nutrient that fuels flowering and root development. This product is made specifically for flowering trees and shrubs, with crepe myrtles as the star, but it also works well on clematis, roses, and other ornamentals. Gardeners who want to revive a struggling plant or push their blooms to the next level will find this a solid choice.

The standout feature here is the speed. Multiple reviewers report seeing their crepe myrtles green up and produce new growth within a week of the first feeding. The formula feeds both through the roots and the leaves, giving plants a quick boost. Users mix the granules with water, pour the solution around the base, and let the plant do the rest. One gardener from Virginia described how her crepe myrtle looked dead in spring, but after one application, new leaves sprouted and the shrub rebounded. Another noted that their clematis, which had never grown more than two feet, shot up to five feet with abundant buds. This kind of real-world performance aligns with the brand's claim of scientifically formulated nutrition.

The product comes as dry granules in a 24-ounce container. You dissolve them in water per the instructions, so there's no mess and no spreading of dry particles. The granules dissolve easily and don't leave residue. The container size is practical for home use, and because you only use a small amount per feeding, one container lasts through a season for several plants. The packaging is simple but functional, with clear usage guidelines on the label. There's no complicated measuring; just mix and water.

Honestly, there aren't many drawbacks. Because this is a specialty fertilizer, it may not be ideal if you're looking for an all-purpose lawn or garden feed. You need to apply it consistently every 10-14 days during the growing season to maintain results, which might be more effort than a slow-release product. A few users mentioned that they saw improvement but wished for even faster results on very stressed plants, but that's more about expectations than a flaw. The product has no reported issues with burning plants when used correctly, and the reviews overwhelmingly praise its effectiveness.

Verdict: Carl Pool Crepe Myrtle Plant Food delivers exactly what it promises. It's a targeted, fast-acting fertilizer that can transform weak or underperforming flowering shrubs into healthy, blooming specimens. The high phosphorus content is the key to its success, and the ease of use makes it accessible to any gardener. If you have crepe myrtles or similar plants and want to see better flowers and stronger growth, this is a product worth buying.

Brand: Carl Pool
Item Form: Granules
Item Weight: 1.5 Pounds
Liquid Volume: 24 Fluid Ounces
Specific Uses For Product: Plant Food, Plant Growth
Number of Items: 1
UPC: 011247110247
Package Dimensions: 6.77 x 3.74 x 3.58 inches
Item model number: CP017
Best Sellers Rank: #3,412 in Patio, Lawn & Garden, #174 in Garden Fertilizers

Bonide's Bontone Rooting Powder is a plant hormone designed to stimulate root growth in cuttings, seeds, bulbs, and transplants. It's a go-to for both home gardeners and more experienced growers who want to improve propagation success rates and reduce plant stress during transplanting.

The powder contains auxins that encourage rapid root development. Users report impressive results on a variety of plants including petunias, roses, mums, and even vegetables. Many reviews mention seeing strong root growth in under two weeks when applied correctly, even without special equipment like grow lights or greenhouses. The product is versatile, working on both softwood and hardwood cuttings, and can be used on seeds and bulbs by shaking them in a bag with the powder.

Application is straightforward: dip the cutting end into the powder before planting, or mix seeds and bulbs in a bag with a small amount of powder. However, it's important to note that the powder is not water soluble, so you must apply it directly. Some users have commented that the bottle can appear less than half full, but because it's concentrated, a tiny amount covers many cuttings.

In terms of drawbacks, the powder can be messy if you're not careful, and since it's a hormone, it's wise to avoid inhaling it. A few users wished for more product in the container, but most agree it's still a good value given how far it stretches.

Overall, Bonide Bontone Rooting Powder is a solid, affordable choice for anyone looking to increase their propagation success. With a strong reputation and thousands of positive reviews, it's a reliable tool for helping your plants develop healthy roots from the start.