Lagerstroemia INDICA

Lagerstroemia INDICA - Crape myrtle, Indian lilac.

Lagerstroemia is a genus of deciduous shrubs and trees in the loosestrife family (Lythraceae), numbering about 50 species native to South and Southeast Asia, Australia, and Oceania.

Members of the genus are prized for handsome panicle inflorescences forming at shoot tips and for their smooth, peeling bark. The flowers, with ruffled petals in white, pink, violet, and purple hues, are gathered into lush panicles.

Lagerstroemia indica features large flowers in white, pink, crimson, or purple hues gathered in inflorescences. The leaves are oval, 4-8 cm (1.6-3.1 in) long, dark green above and light green below. The fruit is a rounded capsule containing 6 seeds. In the open ground, the plant reaches up to 10 m (33 ft) in height.

Seeds are sown before winter into the open ground or flats placed under snow, as they require stratification. Seedlings emerge in the spring of the following year and are then transplanted into nursery beds. Plants usually begin flowering in their second year; the initial bloom is typically modest, and full evaluation is conducted during the second season.

For spring sowing, seeds are pre-chilled for 30-45 days. After that, they are sown into a loose substrate (peat and sand 1:1), buried to 0.5 cm (0.2 in), and germinated at a temperature of 22-25 °C (72-77 °F). Seedlings appear within 15-25 days. The maximum germination period can exceed 45 days.

After 2 true leaves have formed, pricking out is performed. Seedlings are grown on until the following spring, if necessary overwintering in a cool room.

© Greeniverse. All rights reserved.

A sunny location is required for profuse flowering. The longer the plant stays under direct sun rays, the more lavish its bloom will be. In winter, partial shade is recommended. An important feature is the requirement for stable air humidity around 55-60%, achieved by regular morning and evening foliage misting.

The shrub is moisture-loving: during spring and summer, watering must be generous, reduced in autumn, and nearly halted in winter. However, when overwintering in a cool place (10-12 °C (50-54 °F)), watering is performed, but with exceptional care and only in a warmer room. Settled soft water is used.

Loose, well-drained soil is required. Commercial universal potting soils or a mix of equal parts peat, sand, and sod soil are used. Drainage made of fine expanded clay or gravel is placed at the bottom of the container. During active growth and flowering, feedings are applied every 2 weeks: first with balanced fertilizers, then with formulas for flowering plants.

For winter, the plant is moved to a cool location. At temperatures below 5 °C (41 °F), most cultivars suffer frost damage. Leaves, if any remain, are recommended to be removed. Wintering in a warm room leads to loss of ornamental quality and weak flowering.

Pruning is carried out in autumn after flowering. Shoots are shortened by one-third of their length, and weak or damaged branches are removed. Crown shaping is performed starting at 2 years of age. Such pruning promotes profuse flowering and maintains a compact bush.