Lagerstroemia indica 'Petite Red' (crape myrtle 'Petite Red') — Bushy

Overview

Lagerstroemia indica 'Petite Red' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Lagerstroemia, part of the Lythraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lagerstroemia indica 'Petite Red' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, mediterranean climate plants and patio and container plants.

About

Lagerstroemia indica 'Petite Red' (crape myrtle 'Petite Red') is a bushy deciduous shrub belonging to the Lagerstroemia genus, which includes both deciduous and evergreen trees or shrubs with simple leaves and conical clusters of frilled flowers. This cultivar thrives in full sun and prefers sheltered, south- or west-facing aspects with fertile, well-drained soil that can be chalk, loam, or sand of varying pH. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, as well as Mediterranean climates and container planting. It flowers in spring and summer and can be propagated by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lagerstroemia

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H4

Plant details

Lagerstroemia indica 'Petite Red' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lagerstroemia indica 'Petite Red'

Propagation: Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring, or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistance: May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly if grown indoors
Disease resistance: May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Lagerstroemia indica 'Petite Red'?

Lagerstroemia indica 'Petite Red' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Lagerstroemia indica 'Petite Red' need?

Lagerstroemia indica 'Petite Red' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Lagerstroemia indica 'Petite Red' hardy in the UK?

Lagerstroemia indica 'Petite Red' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Lagerstroemia indica 'Petite Red'?

Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring, or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

More in the Lagerstroemia genus

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