bwaynef

The decision that needs to be made is impossible for us to make (especially with the images posted). We can't really see the trunk as it leaves the ground. You'll never have a substantial trunk with this tree. (Ok, its possible, but with this being a dwarf cultivar ...and it being a crape myrtle, the odds are against you.) You need to find a good line for the trunk and cut it back to just the trunk line. Develop the branches next year.

To develop this tree quickest you're going to have to forego flowers ...at least the majority of them. I have difficulty keeping my crape from flowering, though for the past 2 years its been my intent to keep it from flowering. They flower on new growth and it tends to get a little shaggy looking ...as far as the bonsai outline goes, when its in flower. That is also how you get the most growth (unrestrained growth builds vigor and girth) and heal chops (which is what I'm trying to do).

I'd recommend repotting this tree in the spring into a spacious pond basket in a free draining mix. (You've got all winter to research what to put into your soil mix.) Stranger things have happened but I'd suspect a shohin crape myrtle would keep even the most diligent artist busy with all the growth these put out in the summer. (They LOVE the heat btw.) The more growth (afforded by the spacious pond basket and free draining mix) you get the better opportunities you'll have with this tree. Right now it looks like it needs more growth before it really has any options.

Don't be scared of hurting this tree. I've dug up a landscape crape myrtle (not dwarf) in the middle of an early heatwave with about a 16-20" rootball and all it did was drop leaves and put on a brand new set. (It also had fantastic fall color.)

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