Lagerstroemia Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 25th Nov 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Lagerstroemia plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Lagerstroemia boasts abundant summer blooms in shades of pink, red, purple, and white. Its exfoliating bark and attractive fall foliage make it a great year-round interest plant.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun for best flowering and a well-drained soil. Tolerates heat and humidity, making it ideal for warmer climates.
- General Care: Requires moderate watering, especially in dry periods. Pruning in late winter encourages better blooming and a more compact growth habit.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Crape Myrtle is suitable for beginners, offering low maintenance and high impact. Ideal for adding vibrant color and architectural interest to home gardens.
Crape Myrtle: Cultivation & Garden Use
Lagerstroemia are half hardy perennial shrubs.
They reach from about 30 cm to 4 m (1 to 13 feet) in height, and bloom from the middle of summer until the first frost of winter.
The shrub carries pink, white, or purple panicles.
Some common names for Lagerstroemia include Crape Myrtle and Crape Myrtlette.
Photographs: Crape myrtle by Wlcutler; Lagerstroemia indica by Takashi(aes256).
Lagerstroemia Species Growing Guide
How to Grow Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle).
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Lagerstroemia Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Crape Myrtle: Common; Japanese; Queen. Crepe Myrtle.Life Cycle: Half hardy perennial.
Height: 12 to 144 inches (30 to 400 cm).
Native: Asia. Australasia.
Growing Region: Zones 7 to 10.
Flowers: Middle of summer until first frost.
Flower Details: White, purple, red, pink. Panicles. Long lasting.
Foliage: Decidious. Shrubby.
Sow Outside: Surface. Following the last frost. Spacing 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: two to three weeks. Temperature: 70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C) in the light. Seven or eight weeks in advance. Six or seven weeks before expected last frost. Transplant outdoors about three weeks after the last frost; temperature should not drop below 40°F (4°C).
Requirements and care: Full sunlight. Rich fertile soil, moist soil. Regular watering to maintain moist soil. Provide a monthly feed during periods of growth. Spring prune. Propagate: by taking hardwood cuttings in the autumn.
Miscellaneous: Attractive to many species of moths, especially those of the Endoclita genus.
How to Grow Crape Myrtle, Lagerstroemia
If planning to grow Crape Myrtle and other Lagerstroemia from seeds outdoors then first sow on the soil surface in a sunny area of the garden following the last frost of spring.
Ideally the soil that Crape Myrtle is grown in should be moist and of a fertile nature.
If starting Lagerstroemia plants indoors, then prepare about one and a half to two months before putting in the garden.
They take from two to three weeks to germinate.
The young Crape myrtle plants should be put out in the garden at about 30 to 50 cm (12 to 20 inches; dwarf varieties) apart a few weeks after the last frost of spring.
Caring for Crape Myrtle and other Lagerstroemia
If you require more Lagerstroemia plants then cuttings can be took from the hardwood in the autumn.
They are pretty easy to grow and look after. They should be fed monthly in periods of growth and the soil that they grow in should be kept moist.
Common Questions
How many members does the Lagerstroemia genus have?
The Lagerstroemia genus includes approximately 50 species, known commonly as crape myrtle or crepe myrtle due to their showy, long-lasting flowers.
Do members of Lagerstroemia make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Lagerstroemia species are great garden and landscaping plants. They are appreciated for their beautiful flowers, attractive peeling bark, and brilliant fall color.
Which Lagerstroemia species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
The most commonly grown species is Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle) due to its prolific blooms that come in a variety of colors.
Are members of the Lagerstroemia plant genus fragrant?
While Lagerstroemia are visually stunning, they are not typically known for having a strong fragrance.
What is the perfect location to grow Lagerstroemia?
Lagerstroemia prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant once established and make excellent street or specimen trees.
Is Lagerstroemia invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Currently, Lagerstroemia species are not considered invasive in the USA.
How do I remove Lagerstroemia plants from my garden?
To remove Lagerstroemia, it's best to cut the plant down and dig out the root system. Be sure to remove all roots to prevent regrowth.
Summary
The Lagerstroemia genus, a member of the Lythraceae family, comprises deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs native to Asia. Known for their showy, long-lasting summer blooms and attractive bark, these plants are commonly referred to as crepe myrtles.
Lagerstroemia prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Regular watering is necessary, particularly during dry periods. Propagation is typically done through seeds or cuttings.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Lagerstroemia plants. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Oak, Alchemilla plant, and Silene plants.
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