Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Lagerstroemia indica or Crape Myrtle

The genus Lagerstroemia, family Lythraceae, includes 50 species of trees and shrubs native to India, the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, China, Korea, and Japan. Some species are: Lagerstroemia indica, Lagerstroemia floribunda, Lagerstroemia subcostata, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Lagerstroemia microcarpa, Lagerstroemia parviflora.

Common names: Crape Myrtle, Indian crape myrtle, Crapemyrtle, Crepe Myrtle. This species is native to India.

They are deciduous trees with a wide crown and very slow growth that reach 8 meters (26.24 feet) in height. The leaves are ovate-circular and of an intense bright green color in summer; in autumn they acquire golden, reddish or purple hues. The attractive flowers appear in beautiful bouquets in red, pink, purple or white. They bloom in summer.

Crape Myrtle is used as isolated specimens, in small groups, in rows and in large pots for patios and terraces. It's also used as a cut flower.

Lagerstroemia indica prefers full sun exposure but also grows well in semi-shade. It resists occasional and light frosts.

The soil must be fresh, sandy and rich in organic matter. Planting is done in spring or autumn.

Water regularly throughout the year so that the substrate does not dry out completely; water sparingly in winter.

Fertilize at the end of winter with compost and in summer with mineral fertilizer every 15 days.

Lightly prune the tips of the branches in fall or winter to maintain a compact crown.

Lagerstroemia indica is not usually attacked by the usual pests and diseases.

Indian crape myrtle is propagated by cuttings in late summer and from seeds sown in spring at 20-25 ºC (68-77 ºF).

Images of the plant Lagerstroemia indica or Crape Myrtle