Feature Plant: Crape Myrtle

Crape Myrtles, Lagerstroemia indica, are considered large shrubs or small trees at 15 to 25 feet. They are fast growing plants that add vibrant color to a landscape. They make excellent specimen trees and can be used in groups. The flowers of Crape Myrtles can be white, pink, red, or purple. Depending on the variety of tree the flowers will bloom from July to September.

Pink Crape Myrtles

 When Crape Myrtles are not in bloom they have another appealing quality, their bark.  Many of the Indian cultivars like Natchez and Muskogee have beautiful bark that almost looks painted on.

Crape Myrtle Bark

Crape Myrtles are not hard to prune but are often pruned improperly in a manner called “Crape Murder”.

Improperly pruned Crape Myrtles "Crape Murder"

The ideal time to prune is January or February.   Crape Myrtles should be pruned in an arch shape as shown in the diagram below.

Sources: Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. Michael Dirr. 1983

http://ag.arizona.edu

http://clemson.edu

Read Full Post »

Ice Melt and Snow Removal

Color Landscapes has the equipment, knowledge and people to perform ice and snow removal in Alamance County. 

Early this morning our crews were out shoveling snow and applying ice melt so businesses would have safe walkways and parking lots for customers.

Here is a video showing our crew in action.

Read Full Post »

United Way Habitat House

For the past three years Color Landscapes has been proud to donate time and materials to the United Way of Alamance County’s Habitat Builds.   Each year we provide the tree for the homes.  This year Color Landscapes also seeded the yard, planted shrubs, spread pine needles and planted a yard tree.

Ribbon Cutting at the United Way Habitat House

Read Full Post »