Lagerstroemia subcostata
An upright, deciduous shrub or multi-stemmed tree to 4m tall, with grey, peeling bark revealing brown patches beneath. In summer it bears small clusters of white, pink or pale purple flowers. In autumn the foliage turns orange and red
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Orange Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Lythraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- 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
- E Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, lime-free, moist but well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
See pruning group 1; will withstand hard pruning
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.