Overview
Lagerstroemia indica 'Red Imperator' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Lagerstroemia, part of the Lythraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lagerstroemia indica 'Red Imperator' 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 'Red Imperator' is a deciduous shrub cultivar of the Lagerstroemia genus, known for its bushy habit and conical clusters of frilled-petal flowers. It thrives best in full sun with a south- or west-facing, sheltered aspect, preferring fertile, well-drained soils such as chalk, loam, or sand with a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H4, this cultivar is suitable for city and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climates, and container planting. Propagation is typically by softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer, with interest in spring and summer seasons.
About the genus
Lagerstroemia, commonly known as crape myrtle, is a genus of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs native to the Indian subcontinent, southeast Asia, northern Australia, and other parts of Oceania, cultivated in warmer climates around the world. It is a member of the family Lythraceae, which is also known as the loosestrife family. These flowering trees are beautifully colored and are often planted both privately and commercially as ornamentals.
Wikipedia contributors, "Lagerstroemia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lagerstroemia
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 'Red Imperator' 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 'Red Imperator'
- 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 'Red Imperator'?
Lagerstroemia indica 'Red Imperator' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lagerstroemia indica 'Red Imperator' need?
Lagerstroemia indica 'Red Imperator' 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 'Red Imperator' hardy in the UK?
Lagerstroemia indica 'Red Imperator' 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 'Red Imperator'?
Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring, or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
More in the Lagerstroemia genus
- Lagerstroemia subcostataTaiwan Crepe Myrtle
- Lagerstroemia indica With Love Eternal ('Milavio'PBR) (With Love Series)Crape Myrtle