Crape Myrtle
lagerstroemia indica
Also known as: ["Crepe Myrtle","Indian Crape Myrtle"]
Overview
A deciduous tree or shrub known for its vibrant, long-lasting summer flowers and attractive bark.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","disease resistant","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Angiosperms |
| Class: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Lythraceae |
| Genus: | Lagerstroemia |
| Botanical Name: | Lagerstroemia indica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate poor soils but performs best with good fertility.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light pruning can be done in late winter to remove dead wood.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent leaf scorch.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun is essential for blooms; avoid deep shade; rotate container plants for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter for fertility; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 7–9; prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F); tolerates heat well but may struggle below 20°F.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize once in spring; avoid over-fertilizing which can harm roots; water well after applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), humid environment with bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; plants may take a full growing season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use clean tools to prevent disease; maintain high humidity with a plastic dome or bag; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; heading back to encourage bushier growth; remove crossing or crowded branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to shape the plant, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage vigorous flowering; best done after the blooming period to avoid cutting off flower buds.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools before use; prune after flowering; remove dead or diseased wood; shape the plant evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water well after repotting; place in shade for a few days to recover.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on weather and season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone; apply until water drains from the bottom of the container or soil is moist to a depth of 6–8 inches; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot; increase during drought or extreme heat.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in extreme heat; dieback or delayed growth in cold stress; buds failing to open in fluctuating temperatures.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn brown or drop; buds may abort; young growth can be damaged or killed by frost.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; cover with frost cloth during freezes; move container plants indoors or to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Wilting despite moist soil; leaf scorch or yellowing; reduced flowering due to heat stress.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to keep roots cool.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; water thoroughly after application; avoid late-season fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth; avoid high-nitrogen formulas to prevent excessive foliage at the expense of blooms; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume seeds or bark of Lagerstroemia indica. The effects are typically not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of seeds or bark of Lagerstroemia indica can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs. The toxic compounds primarily affect the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicLagerstroemia indica contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Lagerstroemia indica?
A: Water deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Lagerstroemia indica attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Is Lagerstroemia indica suitable for small gardens?
A: Yes, it can be pruned to maintain a shrub-like size, making it suitable for smaller spaces.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lythraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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