Lagerstroemia indica – Crape myrtle, Crepe myrtle

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Lythraceae

Lagerstroemia indica – Crape myrtle, Crepe myrtle

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Small, sometimes multi-stemmed tree with a rather irregular, vase-shaped crown, to about 8 m tall but usually shorter. The old bark flakes off in thin plates, revealing the underlying bark. This varies from light brown to a deep cinnamon brown, giving rise to an attractive pattern of brown-grey and pinkish brown hues. The leaves are yellow-green on emerging, turning dark green in summer. The flowers are grouped in large terminal panicles. They are conspicuous for their heavily undulate petals. The flower colour naturally varies between white, pink and purplish red. The autumn colour of white-blossoming trees is usually yellow. Trees that blossom pink or purplish red have orange, red or purple autumn colours. Has few demands as to soil but prefers a sunny, sheltered position. Tolerates drought.
Availability
Multi-stem (2)
Specifications
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Height
4 - 8 m
Width
2-4m
Crown
irregular vase-shaped, half-open crown, capricious growing
Bark and branches
young twigs light brown, winged, bark light brown-grey, scaling in thin plates
Leaf
opposed, ovate to elliptical, 3 - 5 cm, green
Autumn colour
yellow, orange, red
Flowers
white, pink or purple(-red), 3 - 4 cm, in terminal panicles, 15 - 20 cm, July/September
Fruits
dry capsule, dark brown
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
few soil requirements, tolerates drought
Soil moisture
suitable for dry soil
Paving
tolerates paving
Winter hardiness zone
8a (-12,2 to -9,5 °C)
Wind resistance
moderate
Fauna tree
valuable for bees (honey plant)
Application
tree containers, roof gardens, small gardens, patio gardens
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
China
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree clay soil loamy soil sandy soil tolerates paving suitable for dry soil vase-shaped 3rd size, smaller than 6 metres half-open crown green pink July average growing Conspicuous bloom all species Attractive autumn colour valuable for bees (honey plant) non-toxic (usually) Capricious growing
Applications and inspiration
Trees for small gardens
Related projects
Pairi Daiza - Brugelette
Frequently asked questions
Lagerstroemia indica

Lagerstroemia indica can eventually reach a height of 4 - 8 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Lagerstroemia indica is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 4 - 8 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The leaves of Lagerstroemia indica turn yellow, orange, red in autumn.

The right time to plant Lagerstroemia indica is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Lagerstroemia indica with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Lagerstroemia indica blooms in july.
General