Overview
Lagerstroemia indica 'Watermelon Red' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Lagerstroemia, part of the Lythraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lagerstroemia indica 'Watermelon 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 'Watermelon Red' is a deciduous, bushy shrub belonging to the Lagerstroemia genus, known for its simple leaves and conical clusters of frilled flowers. This cultivar thrives in full sun and prefers a sheltered aspect facing south or west. It grows well in fertile, well-drained soils such as chalk, loam, or sand, with a pH ranging from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for city and courtyard gardens, as well as patios and containers, offering seasonal interest in spring and summer.
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 'Watermelon 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 'Watermelon 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 'Watermelon Red'?
Lagerstroemia indica 'Watermelon Red' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lagerstroemia indica 'Watermelon Red' need?
Lagerstroemia indica 'Watermelon 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 'Watermelon Red' hardy in the UK?
Lagerstroemia indica 'Watermelon 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 'Watermelon Red'?
Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring, or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
More in the Lagerstroemia genus
- Lagerstroemia 'Comanche'
- Lagerstroemia 'Pocomoke'
- Lagerstroemia indica 'Baton Rouge'
- Lagerstroemia indica 'Bradberry's Wine'crepe myrtle 'Bradberry's Wine'
- Lagerstroemia indica 'Ebony Fire'crape myrtle 'Ebony Fire'
- Lagerstroemia indica 'Petite Red'crape myrtle 'Petite Red'
- Lagerstroemia indica 'Pixie White'crape myrtle 'Pixie White'
- Lagerstroemia indica 'Powhatan'