Lagerstroemia indica     
Crape myrtle   
Lythraceae Family     

shrub form of Lagerstroemia indica

Form: medium to large vase-shaped shrub; can be trained to tree
Seasonality: deciduous
Size: standard form 4-20ft, spread 1/2 height; dwarf forms (to 6ft) are available
Leaves: simple, oval to lanceolate, to 2in, glossy green, sometimes bronze-tinged; attractive; wide variation in fall color, on some plants the leaves stay green until dropping, on others they turn crimson or yellow
Flowers: large clusters on branch terminals; color varies from white, pink, lavender, red hues; bloom from early summer until fall
Fruit: distinctive capsule held in popcorn-like clusters
Stems/Trunks: attractive, smooth muscular look, bark exfoliates when young to reveal smooth, lightly mottled look
Range/Origin: China
Hardiness: to single digits or colder

 

Lagerstroemia indica trained as trees

LANDSCAPE VALUE:

• specimen plant
• patio tree
• long-lasting summer color
• okay in lawns
• borders

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Exposure: full sun; needs protection from reflected heat and worst afternoon heat
• Water: regular; water every month or once every two months
• Soil: amended, uniform, good drainage; okay in clay as long as it's deep
• Propagation: vegetative cuttings, seed
• Maintenance: moderate; training when young if tree form desired; pruning, leaf and flower drop

trunk of Lagerstroemia indica	dry seed pods
	flowers

NOTES:

removal of pods will cause second flush of flowers
many varieties available offering choices of plant size and flower color

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This page was first created July 6, 2001 and last modified August 5, 2005.

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email to: tmoore1@flash.net

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