First big steps pruning crape myrtle

vanillalotus

I just bought a weeping dwarf crape myrtle from my local nursery. I had no intentions of making it into a bonsai when i bought it but thought maybe it might work. If everyone can take a look and see if this can work as a bonsai possibly shonin size. Give me ideas on how to prune it and what shape it should go into. I am a beginner and have yet to make a bonsai so the pruning is a scary step for me. I'm scared to chop it down to what i feel would look good and lose all those flowers. Thank you for any help.

Took multiple views as possible that showed the branches.

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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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vanillalotus

Thank you for the honesty bwaynef! My intitial thought was that i would be getting myself in over my head if i made this a bonsai. Just thought i would ask just in case. Thank you for all the crape myrtle tips though they are very helpful. I've never owned a crape myrtle before let alone a tree.

I think i'll still a attempt a shohin crape myrtle but later on when i'm not scared. I love to be busy with my plants but i'll wait till after my first bonsai and dwarf myrtle experience to see if i still feel that way later on.

Thank you again.