Description
Lagerstroemia – Crape Myrtle – Crepe Myrtle –
There are about 53 species of deciduous or evergreen shrubs and trees in this genus. They occur in deciduous woodland, often near rivers in warm temperate and tropical regions from Southeastern Asia to Northern Australia. They are grown for their conical, brightly colored panicles of flowers in shades of pink, mauve and white, with characteristic 5 crinkled petals, and for their often smooth, peeling bark. The leaves vary greatly in shaped within the genus, but are usually opposite. Where marginally hardy, grow against a warm, sunny wall. In warmer climate, grow as specimens, in group plantings, or as a hedge or screen.
Grow in moderately fertile, humus rich, well drained soil in full sun. Shelter from strong winds.
Prone to dieback, powdery mildew, aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, and whiteflies.
L. indica ‘Near East’ – This open, spreading, rounded head, deciduous multi stemmed tree or large shrub from China grows 15′ feet tall and wide. It has peeling, gray bark streaked red brown. It produces oval dark green leaves, to 3″ long, bronze when young and gold in fall. From mid summer to late summer it bears pale pink flowers, to 1″ across, held in panicles to 8″ long on current years growth.
Zones 7-9
