About
A dwarf, deciduous shrub to 1.2m tall, with glossy, dark green, purple-flushed leaves. Good for a small, sheltered garden or in a container on a sunny patio. In late summer it produces abundant, dense clusters of bright pink flowers with crinkled petals.
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
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, with the protection of a warm wall. In very cold regions grow under glass, in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. Water freely during the growing season and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 6-8 weeks; water sparingly at other times
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed, softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly if grown indoors
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)