Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia indica (several varieties are available)
Common Name: Crape Myrtle
Type of Plant: dicot: tree/shrub
Character deciduous
 
Habit of Growth:
Overall Shape has variable shapes; most commonly seen as a multi-trunked rounded shrub or as a small tree with vase-shaped branching to form a rounded canopy; develops a smooth gray-green bark
Height 5-30'
Spread 2/3 to equal
Growth Rate slow-moderate
 
Environment:
Exposure outdoors full sun required; grows poorly in shade
Soil tolerates most; prefers well-draining loam
Hardiness hardy (zones 1-9, 12-14, 18-21); thrives in warm inland
 
Morphology:
Leaves pinnate, opposite (upper ones are alternate), oblong-oval or elliptic; sessile, 1-2" long, smooth, dark green
Flowers white, pink, red, purple, very showy in terminal panicles; the flowers are 1 to 1-1/2" across, with 5-8 fringed petals, many stamens
Fruit a capsule: woody, oblong, 3/8" long
 
Propagation:
seed, followed by budding or grafting; semihardwood cutting
 
Usage:
an outstanding small accent tree, valued for its form and heavy flower display; a small street tree, container plant or espalier; an excellent plant for water-conserving landscapes
 
Landscape Care:
Watering an occasional deep soak; becomes very drought resistant after established
Fertilizing balanced, in spring; add iron to correct chlorosis
Pruning as a tree, head high and develop primary branch structure
Pests/Diseases powdery mildew; aphids, scale; salt burn in alkaline soils
Special Conditions/Other
 
Origin: Eastern Asia
Family: Lythraceae

Notes:
 
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