crape myrtle

Also known as: 紫薇 (zĭ wēi); crepe flower; Indian crape myrtle

L. indica is an upright, deciduous tree or large shrub with peeling brown and grey bark and, 8cm long, dark green leaves which are bronze when young. The crinkly, white, pink or purple flowers are produced from summer to autumn in showy, conical panicles up to 20cm long

Scientific classification

Species: crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
Genus: Lagerstroemia
Family: Lythraceae

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Toxicity: Shrubs · Trees · Conservatory Greenhouse
Plant type: 4-8 metres
Height: 4-8 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

crape myrtle pictures

Distribution of crape myrtle

Distribution map

Plant distribution

Native
Introduced
Cultivated

Source：WCVP v16 · Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew · CC BY 3.0 · Boundaries：WGSRPD / TDWG

Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of crape myrtle

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crape myrtle care guide

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging

Fertilizing

Balanced feed in spring and light repeat in growth season

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering. Hard pruning is tolerated if needed.

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 10°C in spring, or by softwood cuttings in late spring, or semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer

Growing

In frost-prone areas grow against a warm, sunny wall or overwinter in a cool or temperate greenhouse. Needs a moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun

More growing and care information →