Lagerstroemia indica
crape myrtle
L. indica is an upright, deciduous tree or large shrub with peeling brown and grey bark and, 8cm long, dark green leaves which are bronze when young. The crinkly, white, pink or purple flowers are produced from summer to autumn in showy, conical panicles up to 20cm long
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Grey Silver | Bronze Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Grey Silver | Pink Purple White | Bronze Green | |
| Autumn | Brown Grey Silver | Pink Purple White | Green | |
| Winter | Brown Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Lythraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Lagerstroemia can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with simple leaves and conical panicles of flowers with ruffled petals; some have attractive peeling bark
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S & E Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
In frost-prone areas grow against a warm, sunny wall or overwinter in a cool or temperate greenhouse. Needs a moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 10°C in spring, or by softwood cuttings in late spring, or semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Mediterranean climate plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 1, but will tolerate hard pruning if needed
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly if grown indoors
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.