Lythraceae
Lagerstroemia indica
Make your landscape stand out with Crape Myrtle—an elegant, multi-stem flowering tree that thrives in sun and heat. Once established, it’s easy-care and rewarding, delivering months of summer color and a refined architectural shape for villas, patios, and business entrances.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Crape Myrtle
Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia indica
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Flowering tree
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0111
Alternative Names:
ورد القهوة
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Myrtales
Family: Lythraceae
Genus: Lagerstroemia
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to China and parts of Southeast Asia; widely cultivated in temperate and subtropical regions worldwide, including the southeastern United States, Europe, and Australia.
4. Visual Characteristics
Deciduous tree with smooth, exfoliating bark and multi-stemmed habit. Leaves are opposite, simple, elliptic, 2–5 cm long, turning orange, red, or purple in fall. Inflorescences are terminal panicles 10–20 cm long bearing crinkled, crepe-like flowers in shades of pink, red, white, or lavender from mid-summer to early fall.
5. Size & Dimensions
Height: 4.5–7.6 m (15–25 ft) at maturity; Spread: similar to height, typically 4.5–7.6 m. Growth rate moderate, adding up to 60–90 cm (2–3 ft) per year under ideal conditions.
6. Light Requirements
Thrives in full sun (minimum 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade but may produce fewer blooms.
7. Watering Needs
Moderate water needs; water regularly during first year to establish deep roots. Once established, drought-tolerant; supplemental watering during extended dry spells encourages better flowering.
8. Soil & Potting
Prefers well-draining, loamy soils with pH 5.0–7.0. Tolerates poor soils if drainage is adequate. In containers, use a high-quality, free-draining potting mix; ensure containers have drainage holes.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Hardy in USDA zones 7–9, tolerates summer heat and humidity. Sensitive to severe frost; young plants may require protection below –10 °C (14 °F). Adaptable to a range of humidity levels.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth. A second, lighter application in mid-summer may boost flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which can reduce bloom production.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Low to moderate. Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead wood, shape the canopy, and encourage new shoots. Remove suckers from the base regularly. Minimal pest management required if plant is healthy.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or by seed. Softwood cuttings root in 4–6 weeks under mist. Seeds may require stratification and can take several weeks to germinate. Crape myrtles also produce basal suckers which can be used for propagation but may require grafting onto rootstock.
13. Common Problems
Issues include powdery mildew, Cercospora leaf spot, aphids, whiteflies, and bark canker. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimize fungal diseases. Treat pests with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap as needed.
14. Benefits & Uses
Ornamental value for summer flowering and attractive bark. Used as specimen trees, hedges, and street trees. Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Tolerates urban pollution. Wood can be used for small woodworking projects.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Generally non-toxic to humans and pets. No significant toxicity reported; safe for planting in residential and public landscapes.
Lagerstroemia indica
Make your landscape stand out with Crape Myrtle—an elegant, multi-stem flowering tree that thrives in sun and heat. Once established, it’s easy-care and rewarding, delivering months of summer color and a refined architectural shape for villas, patios, and business entrances.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Crape Myrtle
Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia indica
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Flowering tree
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0111
Alternative Names:
ورد القهوة
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Myrtales
Family: Lythraceae
Genus: Lagerstroemia
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to China and parts of Southeast Asia; widely cultivated in temperate and subtropical regions worldwide, including the southeastern United States, Europe, and Australia.
4. Visual Characteristics
Deciduous tree with smooth, exfoliating bark and multi-stemmed habit. Leaves are opposite, simple, elliptic, 2–5 cm long, turning orange, red, or purple in fall. Inflorescences are terminal panicles 10–20 cm long bearing crinkled, crepe-like flowers in shades of pink, red, white, or lavender from mid-summer to early fall.
5. Size & Dimensions
Height: 4.5–7.6 m (15–25 ft) at maturity; Spread: similar to height, typically 4.5–7.6 m. Growth rate moderate, adding up to 60–90 cm (2–3 ft) per year under ideal conditions.
6. Light Requirements
Thrives in full sun (minimum 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade but may produce fewer blooms.
7. Watering Needs
Moderate water needs; water regularly during first year to establish deep roots. Once established, drought-tolerant; supplemental watering during extended dry spells encourages better flowering.
8. Soil & Potting
Prefers well-draining, loamy soils with pH 5.0–7.0. Tolerates poor soils if drainage is adequate. In containers, use a high-quality, free-draining potting mix; ensure containers have drainage holes.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Hardy in USDA zones 7–9, tolerates summer heat and humidity. Sensitive to severe frost; young plants may require protection below –10 °C (14 °F). Adaptable to a range of humidity levels.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth. A second, lighter application in mid-summer may boost flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which can reduce bloom production.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Low to moderate. Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead wood, shape the canopy, and encourage new shoots. Remove suckers from the base regularly. Minimal pest management required if plant is healthy.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or by seed. Softwood cuttings root in 4–6 weeks under mist. Seeds may require stratification and can take several weeks to germinate. Crape myrtles also produce basal suckers which can be used for propagation but may require grafting onto rootstock.
13. Common Problems
Issues include powdery mildew, Cercospora leaf spot, aphids, whiteflies, and bark canker. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimize fungal diseases. Treat pests with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap as needed.
14. Benefits & Uses
Ornamental value for summer flowering and attractive bark. Used as specimen trees, hedges, and street trees. Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Tolerates urban pollution. Wood can be used for small woodworking projects.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Generally non-toxic to humans and pets. No significant toxicity reported; safe for planting in residential and public landscapes.