Lagerstroemia indica 'Whit VIII'
crape myrtle [Rhapsody in Pink]
An upright, deciduous shrub or small, multi-stemmed tree to 3m tall, with peeling, grey and brown bark and glossy, dark green leaves, purple-flushed when young. In late summer, if the weather has been hot, it produces pink flowers with crinkled petals, held in conical clusters to 20cm long. Grown against a sunny, sheltered wall and protected from frost when young it will make a stunning specimen plant in mild districts
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green Purple | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical 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
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, with the protection of a warm wall. In cold regions grow under glass, in loam-based potting compost in full light. Water freely during the growing season and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 6-8 weeks; water sparingly at other times
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Wall side borders
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)
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