About
A deciduous small tree, which reachs 8m. It has paired, glossy green leaves with good autumn colour. Frothy clusters of white flowers open in summer even in some shade. Brown and grey peeling bark offers more interest throughout the year.
About the genus
Lagerstroemia can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with simple leaves and conical panicles of flowers with ruffled petals; some have attractive peeling bark
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Mediterranean climate plants, Sub-tropical
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. In colder areas grow against a warm, sunny wall or overwinter in a cool or temperate greenhouse.
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in late spring, or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly if grown indoors
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)