Garden Column for the Salisbury Post
Darrell Blackwelder
April 9, 2003

    Rowan County Master Gardener Volunteers are selling one gallon crape myrtles as a fund raiser for the Master Gardener Association. Funds generated from the sale of crape myrtles will be used to support ongoing educational programs throughout Rowan County. Those that lost trees during the ice storm in December may be able to use this replacement tree.
    There are three varieties available for sale this year. Two of these varieties, "Dynamite" (deep red) and "Pink Velour" (coral pink) are patented varieties developed by researchers in Oklahoma. These varieties have striking blooms and foliage which are both powdery mildew and drought resistant.
"Dynamite" is a tree form crape myrtle with dark red flowers. Its bloom period begins in early July and continues until frost. "Dynamite" is a variety that flowers best when it is not pruned. It has excellent summer color with glossy foliage.
"    Pink Velour" is the first crape myrtle to have deep wine colored foliage. As the leaves age they become dark green. The unique foliage provides a striking contrast to the bright pink flowers. "Pink Velour" has an additional advantage of only growing ten feet tall, eliminating the need for pruning.

    "Natchez", a proven white crape myrtle, was developed by the National Arboretum in Washington, DC. This is tree form crape myrtle with white blooms and has interesting feature of exfoliating cinnamon bark as it matures. An excellent example of these is planted at the Bell Tower in Salisbury. There is a very limited quantity of "Natchez" crape myrtles available.
    Orders may be placed until May 9 by contacting the Cooperative Extension Office at 704-633-0571 or fax 704-636-2840. Trees may be picked up at the Extension Office on Old Concord Road in Salisbury on May 15 & 16. Those ordering trees will be sent a card to confirm your order at pickup. Cost of the plants is $7.00 each. More detailed information and color pictures of these crape myrtle varieties are featured on the Master Gardener Web Site, www.rowanmastergardener.com under "Crape Myrtle Sale Information". For more information contact Darrell Blackwelder at 704-633-0571.