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Welcome back to Chris’ Corner!
This month I will be talking about my favorite flowering shrub/tree the crape myrtle. The Lagerstroemia indica species is one of the most beautiful and popular flowering trees here in the Memphis landscape. They can be seen in a wide array of flower colors including white, red, pink and lavender. The crape myrtle blooms are large and long-lasting and the tree has great fall color and attractive bark. It prefers a sunny, well-drained site and is relatively pest and disease free.
Late winter is the optimal time to prune crape myrtles. Remember the reason that we prune is to create a canopy in which air can circulate and the branches can receive sunlight. Crape myrtles really don’t have to be pruned but if you must, use the following techniques to avoid the dreaded “crape murder”. (1) Remove any suckers from the bottom of the plant. (2) Remove any crossed, damaged, or diseased branches. (3) Prune the tips of the branches to remove old flowers. (4) Thin out small twiggy growth to allow air to better circulate in the canopy. Spread the word to your friends and neighbors and let’s eliminate “crape murder”!
There is one last thing that I would like to mention about crape myrtles before I go. During the Christmas holidays, my parents always decorate the crape myrtles in their yard with clear lights from the bottom to the top of the tree. Talk about stunning! The lights accentuate the branches and it is a creative way to add winter interest to your garden.
Be sure to come back to the corner next month for the next installment of Chris’ Corner! You don’t want to miss it!
Thanks for stopping by!
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