In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Lagerstroemia plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
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).
How to Grow Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle).
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.
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.
The Lagerstroemia genus includes approximately 50 species, known commonly as crape myrtle or crepe myrtle due to their showy, long-lasting flowers.
Yes, Lagerstroemia species are great garden and landscaping plants. They are appreciated for their beautiful flowers, attractive peeling bark, and brilliant fall color.
The most commonly grown species is Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle) due to its prolific blooms that come in a variety of colors.
While Lagerstroemia are visually stunning, they are not typically known for having a strong fragrance.
Lagerstroemia prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant once established and make excellent street or specimen trees.
Currently, Lagerstroemia species are not considered invasive in the USA.
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.
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.