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Crepe myrtle doesn t bloom


Crepe Myrtle Not Blooming - Getting Crepe Myrtle Trees To Bloom

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Crepe Myrtle

By: Heather Rhoades

Image by Gary Fink

You can go to a local nursery and purchase a crepe myrtle tree with plenty of blooms and plant it only to find that it is living but doesn’t have many blooms on it. Do you know what the problem is? Read on to learn about crepe myrtle not blooming.

Nothing is more beautiful than the flowers on a crepe myrtle. However, a crepe myrtle not blooming can be frustrating. Here are some reasons why this happens and tips for getting crepe myrtle trees to bloom.

Pruning too late

If there are no flowers on crepe myrtle, it could be that the tree was pruned late in the season, causing the new wood to be mistakenly removed, which causes the buds for the flowers to never really develop. Never prune a crepe myrtle before it blooms.

That being said, when do crepe myrtles bloom? Crepe myrtle bloom time is just after the other flowering trees. They are usually the last of the flowering trees and shrubs to bloom.

Crepe myrtle not blooming due to crowded branches

If you have an older crepe myrtle that doesn’t bloom the way you think it should, wait until after crepe myrtle bloom time and encourage the crepe myrtle bloom by pruning it carefully.

If you trim away any of the dead branches that are inside the tree, this allows more sunshine and air to reach the tree. Further, don’t just hack away at the tree. Make sure to enhance the look of the tree carefully.

Crepe myrtle not blooming due to lack of sun

Another reason there will be no flowers on crepe myrtle is that the tree is planted where it doesn’t get enough sunshine. The crepe myrtle requires significant sunshine in order to bloom.

If you have a crepe myrtle not blooming, it may be planted in a bad place that lacks sunshine. Take a look around and see if something is blocking the sun from the tree.

Crepe myrtle not blooming due to fertilizer

If the tree is getting plenty of sunshine and isn’t an old tree in need of pruning, it could be the soil. In this case, if you want to make crepe myrtle bloom, you might want to check the soil and see if it might not have enough phosphorus or too much nitrogen. Both of these situations can cause there to be no flowers on crepe myrtle.

Heavily fertilized garden beds and lawns may have too much nitrogen which promotes healthy leaves but fails to make crepe myrtle bloom. You might want to add a little bone meal around the tree which adds phosphorus over time to the soil.

So when you ask yourself, “How can I make crepe myrtle bloom?” you should know that checking all of the things mentioned and taking care of any issues will make your crepe myrtle bloom time better than you ever anticipated.

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Why is my crepe myrtle not blooming? |

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Are you asking yourself, 'why is my crepe myrtle not blooming?' Then you need to check the key factors that could prevent it from flourishing.

Also known as Lagerstroemia, the crepe myrtle is a versatile plant that can be grown as a tree or maintained as an ornamental shrub, making it a beautiful addition to your garden ideas.

It possesses panicles of beautiful flowers with a crepe-like texture, usually in pink, purple or white, which start in late spring and endure through summer.

‘The crepe myrtle is such a beautiful flowering tree during the warmer months,’ says Lindsey Hyland, founder of Urban Organic Yield . ‘They also have good fall color. I love how the branches are thick enough to handle being in containers, which also makes them one of the best trees to grow in pots.’

A crepe myrtle not blooming is a common problem – so use our seven-step guide to diagnose why your prized tree is failing to flower.

Why is my crepe myrtle not blooming?

Though crepe myrtles are fairly hardy, reliable plants, there are several issues that can prevent them from blooming.

‘First and foremost, you need to ensure that you are growing your crepe myrtle in the right climate,’ says Homes & Gardens editor in chief Lucy Searle.  

‘Native to Southern Asia and Oceania, the crepe myrtle has transported well to other continents, and is widely grown in the US – the trees can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 6-10, though are best suited to zones 7-9.’

You also need to ensure that you know how to prune crepe myrtle.

As long as you are growing crepe myrtle in a suitable climate, then diagnosing why it is not blooming should be fairly simple.

(Image credit: Biosphoto / Alamy Stock Photo)

1. Your tree is too young

Your crepe myrtle may not be blooming if it is only a young tree – it can take 3-5 years for a tree to become established enough to flower.

This may sound like a long time, but bear in mind that the trees take 5-10 years to mature, and 20-50 years to reach their ultimate size. ‘Crepe myrtles are a long-term investment in your garden, and will be enjoyed for decades to come,’ says Searle.

Bear in mind that trees bought from garden centers are usually already a few years old, so you shouldn’t have too long to wait.

2. Lack of sunlight

‘Crepe myrtles demand six hours of uninterrupted sunlight per day, so ensure your plant's location allows for this,’ says Tiffany Payne at Orangeries UK . 

‘If other trees shadow your crepe myrtle, for example, it will not get the adequate exposure it requires and will not thrive as much as you would want.’

If your crepe myrtle is planted in a spot where it can’t receive enough sunlight, then you should consider moving it to a sunnier spot. The best time to do this is when the tree is dormant – ideally in late winter.

3. Crepe myrtle not getting enough water

Crepe myrtles benefit from being watered regularly when newly planted – usually for the first year – but once settled in they are quite drought tolerant. 

However, in periods of extreme drought, the trees can become stressed and fail to bloom due to lack of water.

Look for signs of wilting and yellowing, which are an indication of underwatering.

‘Water your tree deeply once or twice a month in dry weather, so that the water reaches around 12-24 inches deep in the soil,’ says Searle.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

4. Poorly draining soil

While crepe myrtles benefit from a good watering when they are young and in periods of dry weather, they must be planted in well draining soil, and do not like to be waterlogged.

The good news is that the trees are adaptable to most soil types, except for soggy soils that hold too much moisture.

5. Your tree isn’t getting the right nutrients

The right nutrient balance is important for all plants, and if your soil isn’t providing the right mix, then it could be a key reason for a crepe myrtle not blooming.

In order to thrive, crepe myrtles need phosphorus – ​​so add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil surrounding the tree in early spring.

However, a common mistake gardeners make is to use a ferilizer high in nitrogen, which is likely to inhibit flowering. Consider not just the tree itself, but nearby plants in surrounding flower beds. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer.

6.

Pruning crepe myrtle incorrectly

Crepe myrtles only bloom on new growth, so take care not to remove this when pruning.

‘A common explanation for crepe myrtle not blooming is because you pruned it too late,’ says Payne.

‘You should never clip it after it has begun to develop in the spring and once it blooms since you risk mistakenly removing new growth.

‘Instead, prune flowers either after they've finished flowering or very early in the spring before the blossoms appear.’ 

If you need to tidy up your tree, only remove older wood, rather than new growth.

Another reason older crepe myrtles may not be blooming is if the branches have become overcrowded. Make sure you remove dead branches, which will allow in more sunlight and help the air to circulate.

7. Your crepe myrtle is diseased

There are a few diseases which can affect crepe myrtles; while they should be easy to spot, they can impede growth and flowering.

Sooty mold, which appears as a black residue on the leaves, is a fungal problem caused by insects. The mold grows on the honeydew created by insects feasting on the plant’s sap. Common culprits include aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, and whiteflies.

Controlling the pests will take care of the issue – use an insecticidal soap or natural product such as neem oil.

Cercospora leaf spot is another common fungus, which is evident by brown spots appearing on older leaves. These will then prematurely drop, which puts stress on the plant, potentially impacting flowering. Thankfully, it doesn’t cause long-term damage to the tree.

The best way to avoid cercospora is to grow your tree in an open, sunny spot with good air circulation, which will make it harder for the fungus to take hold.

What do you put on crepe myrtles to make them bloom?

To make your crepe myrtle bloom, apply a high-phosphorus, low-nitrogen fertilizer in a slow-release formula in early spring. Alternatively, fertilize regularly throughout the growing season.

Younger trees need monthly feeding, while more established trees benefit from being fertilized every two weeks.  

As editor of Period Living, Britain's best-selling period homes magazine, Melanie loves the charm of older properties. I live in a rural village just outside the Cotswolds in England, so am lucky to be surrounded by beautiful homes and countryside, where I enjoy exploring. Having worked in the industry for almost two decades, Melanie is interested in all aspects of homes and gardens. Her previous roles include working on Real Homes and Homebuilding & Renovating, and she has also contributed to Gardening Etc. She has an English degree and has also studied interior design. Melanie frequently writes for Homes & Gardens about property restoration and gardening.

6 reasons why the myrtle does not bloom. What to do?

In our latitudes, myrtle originated from the regions of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, so its name in Greek means "incense", and the second name - arrayan - in Arabic means "aromatic". This evergreen plant bears such names for a reason. Even in ancient times, it was noted that myrtle, in addition to decorative, has many useful qualities due to the presence of essential oils that have a strong antimicrobial effect. Arrayana leaves have their healing effect not only as part of medicines and cosmetic preparations, but also simply releasing phytoncides into the air.

The myrtle blooms very beautifully: the whole tree is covered with boiled white flowers, sometimes with a light pinkish tint. But such a spectacle does not always please the eye of the owner, and this happens for several reasons.

Firstly, , myrtle is a plant of southern latitudes, so it is used to bright sunlight. At home, the tree will feel most comfortable on the southern windowsill, where it can get plenty of sunbathing. However, from direct rays it is better to shade it with a curtain. Under such conditions, an arrayan will delight you with wonderful flowers, but placed on the western, eastern or northern side, most likely, it will not bloom at all. In addition, it must be borne in mind that the flower does not tolerate any sudden change in light. For example, if you decide to move it from the north side to the south, then you need to do this in several stages, increasing the amount of light gradually, first moving the myrtle to the east or west window sill.

Second , the flower has a real need for fresh air. Indeed, in its native lands, it grows on the street all year round, so small drafts for myrtle are not only not dangerous, but even desirable. In the warm season, the plant should generally be kept outdoors if possible: on an open veranda, balcony or in the garden. And then abundant flowering is guaranteed.

Thirdly, , this guest from the subtropics constantly needs a humid microclimate, which is provided by regular watering and spraying using soft, preferably rain or melt water. For the winter period, moisture should be reduced to 1 time per week, and spraying can be abandoned if the tree is in a cool room. The optimum temperature for the dormant period should be 8–10°C.

Fourthly , the crown of a tree is usually formed at the beginning of the growing season, that is, in the spring, but in this case, flowering will definitely not occur. If you want to admire the blooming arrayana, prune it after the flowers have fallen, around August.

Fifthly , flowering of the plant directly depends on the type of feeding. If you want to see snow-white inflorescences, fertilizer for indoor flowers should contain a high concentration of phosphorus and a minimum of nitrogen.

Sixthly, , any illness that affects a flower will lead to the fact that it will throw all its strength into survival and will no longer bloom. In general, myrtle is a plant that is resistant to most diseases, however, with poor drainage and abundant watering, rotting of the root system can occur.

Date: 01/28/2016.

Lagerstroemia Indian Indian lilac growing from seed Hardy varieties Planting and gardening

Botanical description and plant origin

Lagerstroemia (lat. Lagerstroemia) is a genus of shrubs and small trees with colorful lush flowering. In the everyday life of Russian flower growers, it is known as the Indian lilac, but this is actually only one of the 25 existing types of lagerstroemia.

Charming southern beauty got her name in honor of the German merchant Magnus von Lagerström. He gave away plant seedlings to the governors of Mediterranean cities. Lagerstromia comes from China, however, it began to spread from India, it is also found naturally in Asia and mainland Australia.

As an ornamental garden plant, Indian lilac is successfully grown in the Mediterranean, southern Ukraine, Belarus, Russia. As a houseplant, it is popular all over the world. Flower growers of the middle lane have adapted to cultivate lagerstroemia in flowerpots at home, for the summer the bush moves to the garden, and winters again in a warm room.

Let's get acquainted with the appearance of lagerstroemia from the Derbennikov family. Under natural conditions, trees can grow to a height of 10 m, but indoor varieties are limited to a height of 1-1.5 meters. The leaves are elongated-oval, short-petiolate, dark green in color with a shiny surface, located oppositely on the shoots. With the onset of autumn, they turn yellow or red, fall off by winter. When warm, the first buds will appear in January.

When Lagerstromia blooms

Lagerstroemia blooms for a long time at home and in the garden, under the right conditions: from July to the end of October. Closed rounded buds of a green hue are more reminiscent of berries. When the flowers bloom with wavy petals along the edges, the racemose inflorescence will become lush. Color range from white to lilac and red. It is interesting that at the same time flowers of different colors open on the same bush. The fruits are in the form of segmented capsules with seeds.

Rules of care

Regarding the general rules of care: Lagerstromia needs bright and diffused lighting, it is important to keep it warm all year round, regular watering and top dressing. Annual spring pruning will be required to maintain a neat shape and neat appearance.

Indian lilacs are susceptible to inappropriate conditions and bloom may be short or sparse. The beauty of the inflorescences is affected by lighting and pruning. Houseplants are more resistant to diseases and pests, and preventive spraying is carried out with respect to garden plants.

Growing lagerstroemia from seeds at home

Seeds of lagerstroemia photo

When cross-pollinated, plant varietal differences are lost, so it is better to purchase seeds for sowing in specialized sales outlets. Starting the sowing procedure in spring in March .

Prepare a wide container or cassette. Use the soil universal for growing seedlings. Pour it into a container, moisten and sow the seeds, planting to a depth of 1-2 cm. Cover tightly with a piece of glass or transparent film.

Seed lagerstromia seedling photo

Further care is simple: provide good lighting with a long daylight hours and room temperature. Provide dry air, take care of spraying the leaves or install a humidifier nearby.

Lagerstroemia in the open field: planting and care

Lagerstroemia in the urban landscape photo

Choose a place in an open sunny place. In an area where other plants suffer from heat, lagestremia feels great. With active sun, the bush blooms more magnificently.

The soil needs to be moderately nutritious and loose.

Best grown in moderately moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Feels good on loamy, clay soils with good drainage. Prefers slow release fertilizer conditions. Thick black earth is not suitable for a beauty. It is advisable to plant on cultivated garden soil with the addition of coarse sand. Overly fertile soils tend to produce lush foliage at the expense of flowering, and the plant is more susceptible to winter injury. Does not tolerate flooding and stagnant water.

Plant in sheltered areas and apply winter mulch. The above-ground part of young plants often dies off in winter, especially when the temperature drops below -15 degrees Celsius. The winter hardiness zone of the plant is 5 (frosts down to -26, -28 ° C), but plants do not always withstand such frosts. In zone 6a, some growers prefer to grow these plants in much the same way as buddleias, cutting all stems to a height of 20 cm in early spring each year. The roots push out new stems, which usually grow 0.6-1.2 m (sometimes more) by the end of the growing season. Flowers are produced on a new tree no worse than on old branches.

Indian lilac as an ornamental shrub photo

You can grow these plants as woody shrubs, cutting them back to living wood in the spring when new foliage begins to appear (much like some rose bushes). Given cover, the tree will survive some winters, but may still be seriously injured or die at the top during harsh winters.

Diseases and Pests

The two main diseases of Indian lilacs are fungal leaf spot and powdery mildew. Foliage may turn yellow (chlorosis) in alkaline soils. There is some susceptibility to aphids. Winter injuries, especially on growth tips, are common in USDA hardiness zones 5 and 6.

Plant Benefits

Key benefits include a long flowering period, peeling bark and excellent fall color. At the end of summer (sometimes before frost), terminal, fortified inflorescences (up to 0.3-0.5 m long) of showy flowers with twisted petals bloom on vertical branches. In the wild, the flowers are usually pink to red. Cultivated varieties have expanded the range of flowers to include white, pink, mauve, lavender and purple. Leaves alternate to opposite, thick and leathery, elliptical to oblong (up to 7 cm long) often turn light green with a hint of red, mature dark green by summer, and finally turn attractive shades of yellow-orange-orange . red in autumn.

Flowers give way to round seed capsules that often persist through the winter. The smooth, pale pinkish gray bark on mature branches flakes off with age. Where winter injury can be a problem, plants typically grow up to 1.2m tall. In the deep south, plants will grow much taller if not pruned in the spring. Plants of common species are not for sale. Over the years, many cultivars have been introduced ranging from dwarf to tree size, many of which are hybrids between L. indica and L. faueri species.

Wintering of the Indian lilac

Proper wintering is extremely important. It all depends on how you grow. If lagestremia is cultivated in a tub, after yellowing and falling of the leaves, it is brought into a room with an air temperature of 5-10 ° C with a plus sign. Suitable basement. Water about once a month. In early March, bring to a warmer room and prune.

Move to fresh air with the onset of April days. If a bush / tree is grown in open ground, before winter it is cut off, spudded, the soil is mulched with sawdust and covered with spruce branches. In the garden, the plant comes to life later than the rest, and this phenomenon causes concern among novice flower growers. As soon as the soil warms up well, the Indian lilac will begin to grow.

Lagerstroemia at home: cultivation and care

Lagerstroemia at home photo

Lighting and temperature conditions

To accommodate lagerstroemia, choose a place near a southeast or southwest window. It is bright diffused light that promotes active growth and regular flowering. Even direct sunlight is not terrible, which should be accustomed to gradually. In the shade, shoots stretch in search of light and one should not expect lush caps of inflorescences.

Frost resistance of lagerstroemia is low. The plant in the tub will withstand temperatures as low as -5 °C. Garden plants become hardened and tolerate short-term frost down to -10 ° C. During the period of active growth and development, a moderately warm content in the temperature range of 18-24 ° C is required. For winter recreation, temperatures are optimal in the range of 10-12 ° C. In this case, a winter garden, a glazed balcony, a loggia or a veranda would be a suitable place to keep. With a warm winter, the plant looks weakened and may not bloom at all.

Watering and air humidity

One of the key rules of care is regular watering without drying out the soil and stagnant moisture. During the period of active growth, the top layer of the substrate should be constantly slightly moist. When drying an earthy coma, the buds first fall off, then the leaves. No less dangerous is waterlogging in which fungal diseases develop. From spring to mid-autumn, water in about a day, in extreme heat, supplement the procedure by spraying on the leaves from a fine sprayer. With the end of the flowering of water, less and less will be required.

In winter, moistening the substrate is rarely enough. Bring the flowerpot with the plant into a warm room, water it and return it to a cool place after a few hours. For spraying and watering, in any case, it is necessary to use high-quality water without impurities. Previously, it is defended for 1-2 days or filtered, you can take rain or melt, be sure to bring the temperature to room temperature.

Indian lilacs should maintain 55-60% humidity during the growing season. To do this, spray the bush with water over the leaves from a fine spray, preferably in the morning or evening hours (water in combination with direct sunlight can cause burns to the leaves). From time to time, put the pot on a pallet with wet expanded clay, moss, pebbles.

How to feed

When there is a lack of necessary microelements in the soil, the development of new shoots slows down, the appearance of inflorescences deteriorates. So, indoor lagerstroemia is fed with complex mineral fertilizers in liquid form during the period of active growth. In the spring it is necessary to apply top dressing with a high nitrogen content, during the formation of buds and flowering, focus on the proportion of potassium and phosphorus. The frequency of feeding is 15 days. "Pamper" a garden plant with fertilizers according to a similar scheme; organics can be used.

Pruning and crown shaping

Lagerstromia bonsai photo

This procedure is simply necessary for the plant. Indian lilac grows rapidly, branches actively and, with free development, will reach large sizes and stop blooming (inflorescences appear more on new shoots). With the achievement of the age of 1-2 years, begin to trim the lagerstroemia. The best period is the autumn time after the end of flowering. It is allowed to shorten the shoots in early spring before the start of active sap flow, it is important to have time before the end of March, because flower buds are already being laid on the tops of the shoots. Cut off 20-30 cm, leaving a third of the length.

Broken, elongated, diseased shoots, as well as twigs growing inwards are subject to mandatory pruning.

Use shaping trim if desired. To get a single-stem tree, you need to leave one powerful shoot growing from the root, and remove the rest. To create a shrub, leave a few good root shoots. Lagerstromia is great in the bonsai technique. To bend the branches in the desired direction, wrap them spirally with thick wire and give the desired shape. Over time, the trunk and branches will become woody, and the aids are removed. It turns out a naked winding stem with a lush flowering top.

Transplantation of Indian lilac at home

Lagerstromia tolerates transplantation painfully, the most gentle way is transshipment along with a clod of earth. The root system develops slowly, so the procedure is carried out no more than a frequency of 2-3 years. In the year when transplantation is not performed, it is advisable to replace the top layer of soil in the pot with a new one.

In a large pot, Lagerstromia will grow its rhizome and green mass for a long time, and will not bloom soon. Initially, we choose a flower pot a little larger than the root system of the seedling, keep in mind that the roots grow more in depth. Each time we increase the volume of the container by 2-3 cm.

It is advisable to transplant in the spring before the start of the active growth period. As a last resort, transplant blooming lagerstromia.

A prerequisite is the laying of drainage to the bottom. A layer of pebbles, expanded clay, small stones, broken bricks should occupy ¼ of the total volume of the pot in order to avoid moisture stagnation and further decay. The substrate must meet such characteristics as friability, water and air permeability. It is convenient to use a purchased universal soil for flowering plants. There is nothing difficult in self-preparation of the soil mixture. It will be necessary to mix turfy soil, leaf humus, peat and coarse sand in equal proportions.

How Lagerstroemia hibernates in a tub video:

Propagation of Lagerstroemia by cuttings and basal shoots

To grow a new shrub or tree of Indian lilac, cuttings should be separated in spring. Cut them 10-15 cm long from semi-lignified shoots. Treat with a growth stimulator solution (Epin, Kornevin, etc.). If there is a lot of planting material, plant for rooting in a common container with a sand-peat mixture, cover with transparent glass or a bag.

How to cut Indian lilac photo

If there are 1-2 cuttings, they are individually covered with a cut plastic bottle or glass jar. It will require heat, bright diffused lighting, moderate watering and periodic airing. Roots will appear after 20 days, as evidenced by increased growth. Then we seat for a separate growth.

Propagation of Lagerstroemia by cuttings photo

Lagerstroemia produces side shoots like lilacs. In the spring, carefully dig them up and plant them as independent plants.

Diseases and pests of lagerstroemia

With proper care for diseases and pests, lagerstroemia does not suffer. It is not so easy to provide her with the necessary conditions; the Indian lilac will react instantly to poor care. It all depends on the knowledge and skills of the grower. Even during the dormant period, the flower must be observed. Improper wintering, poor lighting and watering, lack of pruning will make the bush weak, it will not bloom.

Let's talk more about the difficulties of growing:

Lagerstromia in landscape design

Indian lilac bushes and trees look great in solo plantings. They will be accompanied by other flowering shrubs, ferns, conifers, and cereals.

Lagerstromia as a decoration of the landscape photo

This beauty really looks like a lilac, only it blooms not only in spring, but in summer, which can captivate not only landscape designers, but also any owner of a manor or a summer house: next to the house, these trees become a real enchanting explosion, eye-catching.

Lagerstremia in the city photo

Indian lilac fits beautifully into any environment, harmonizes with facades in the style of classicism, modern, half-timbered, country, English, Chalet, etc.

Indian lilac in landscape design photo

Lagerstromia bushes look very good next to administrative buildings, educational institutions, shopping centers and shops. Even in the conditions of the middle zone, it is possible to use the plant as an ornamental shrub wintering under cover.

Lagerstroemia Indian or Indian lilac: winter-hardy varieties

Remember that frost resistance is conditional: it means the lowest temperature that the plant roots can withstand, provided there is good winter shelter. The ground part is already damaged at -5, -10°C.

Indian lilac cultivar Cherry Dazzle photo

Cherry dazzle (Cherry Dazzle) is a low-growing shrub showing resistance to diseases and pests. Young leaves have a bronze hue, then they turn green, and turn purple in autumn. Pink or red flowers last from May until the end of June. Winter hardiness zone 6a-10b (withstands short-term frosts down to -23°C).

Indian lilac ‘Cordon Bleu’ photo

Cordon Blue is a low growing shrub that blooms from May to late June. Corollas have a lilac-blue hue, they gather in loose inflorescences-clouds of various shapes. The leaves are oblong, dark green, turning yellow in autumn. Winter hardiness down to -17°С.

Indian lilac Dynamite Lagerstroemia indica ‘Dynamite’ photo

Dynamite is a shrub or tree up to 3 m high. The branches and shoots are covered with smooth grey-green bark. Dense dark green leaves turn yellow in autumn. The petals are corrugated, their color is fiery red. The flowering period is May-June. Winter hardiness zone 7A - 9B (withstands frosts down to -17 ° C).

Indian lilac cultivar White Chocolate photo

White Chocolate is a medium-sized shrub about 3 m high. Active branching. The bark is smooth light brown. The leaves are small with slightly wavy edges, have a bronze-green tint. Lush panicles are formed by snow-white corollas. May-June is the flowering phase. Places with bright sunlight are suitable for planting. Hardiness zone 7-9(withstands frosts up to 15°С).

Lagerstremia cultivar Light pink photo

Light pink is a small tree or shrub that is excellent for both horticulture and container growing. During flowering (May-June), dark emerald leaves are practically hidden by caps of light pink inflorescences.

Indian lilac Purple Magic photo

Lilac purple is one of the most popular varieties of Indian lilac. This is a medium growing shrub with smooth dark brown shoots. Emerald leaves are slightly bent. Inflorescences of a purple hue adorn the bushes in May-June.

Indian lilac Red Filli photo

Red Filli is a shrub of medium height. The leaves are glossy, emerald green. A dense panicle of inflorescence is formed by small coral flowers. Winter hardiness zone 5b (withstands frosts down to -26°C).

Worth mentioning varieties are Red Rokket with pink flowers, Zuni with lilac inflorescences, bicolor Berlington.

Indian Lilac cultivar Lagerstroemia indica ‘Victor Dwarf’ photo

Victor Red is a dwarf cultivar that grows to about 1.2m tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for small garden spaces. In summer, an upright rounded shrub is covered with dark red flower clusters. In autumn, the foliage turns into a bright orange-red bonfire. After the leaves have fallen in autumn, the peeling bark is of interest during the winter months. Hardiness zone 7-9.

Victor Red is a dwarf that fits perfectly into small gardens and spaces. Suitable for containers. Planted solo, in small groups or as a colorful hedge.

Types of lagerstroemia

Lagerstroemia indica or Indian lilac Lagerstroemia indica

The most popular species for cultivation. High adaptability and survival in any conditions contributed to the wide distribution. The bush or tree is branched, the surface of the trunk / stem and shoots is covered with a skin of a light brown hue. Leaves about 6 cm long are attached with short petioles opposite each other. The front part is dark green glossy, and the back is matte and whitish. The lush pyramidal inflorescence is 20 cm long.

Lagerstroemia balansae

Takes the form of a shrub or tall tree (height 5 and 25 m respectively). On the trunk and adult branches, the bark is yellowish. Young shoots, petioles, flower tubes and inflorescences have a golden to red-brown hue. The leaves are elliptical in shape, rather large: 3-6 cm wide and up to 15 cm long. On the tops of the shoots, racemose inflorescences in the form of pyramids up to 20 cm high rise. The corrugated petals have a bright purple hue. This species in nature lives in mixed forests of Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Hainan.

Lagerstroemia excelsa

Beautiful branched trees about 30 m high. On the trunk and lignified branches the bark is glossy. Petioles, veins on the reverse side of the leaves, young shoots slightly pubescent. Large (6-14 cm long and 3-5 cm wide) obovate leaves are mirror-like. Blooms from April to late July. The shade of the petals is whitish-yellow. Plants are found at an altitude of 1-2 km above sea level in dense forests and mountain valleys of Sichuan, Hubei, Guangzhou.

Lagerstroemia caudata

Thirty-meter trees with a smooth trunk and branches. The leaf blades are wedge-shaped at the base and pointed at the tops, the surface is dark green, glossy. Pairs of leaves are rarely arranged. Petals are white. The flowering period begins in April and lasts until October. Likes calcareous soils.

Lagerstroemia fordii

Medium-sized (3 to 9 m) trees or shrubs. Smooth brown bark with whitish patches. The lanceolate pointed leaves are about 11 cm long. The petals have a bright pink or red hue. The species is originally from Hong Kong, where it settles in the lowlands of the mountains and on river banks.

Lagerstroemia speciosa, royal crepe myrtle, banana tree Lagerstroemia speciosa

Grows in the Philippines and India, tropical South Asia.

This is a small to medium tree growing up to 20 meters tall with smooth, flaky bark. The leaves are oval to elliptical, 8-15 cm long and 3-7 cm wide, with a sharp tip.

Red crepe myrtle in landscaping photo

Flowers in erect panicles 20-40 cm long, each flower with six white, red or purple petals 2-3. 5 cm long. Flowers appear only once at the height of summer.

Lagerstroemia glabra

Trees or shrubs about 6 m high. Even, smooth branches densely leafy. Petals are white. The period of flowering and fruit set lasts from July to October.

Lagerstroemia guilinensis Lagerstroemia guilinensis

Compact shrub up to 2.5 m high. Small leaves 6 cm long have a rounded base and sharp tips. The fluffy panicle of the inflorescence is formed by snow-white petals.

Lagerstroemia anhuiensis

Trees or shrubs, 2 m high. Tetrahedral branches covered with chocolate-yellow bark, densely pubescent. The elliptical leaves are 4 cm long, the surface is bright green, shiny, the reverse side of the emerald color with a dense pile. In inflorescences, the white petals are accentuated by chocolate sepals. The flowering period is observed from July to October.

Lagerstroemia tomentosa

Lagerstroemia tomentosa photo

Tree-like plant 3-5 m high.

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