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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