About
This fast-growing, large, upright deciduous tree, reaching up to approx 8 metres in height, with attractive cinnamon-brown bark which flakes to a paler grey-brown, and glossy dark green foliage turning to red and orange in the autumn. Dense panicles of white flowers with yellow stamens have fringed petals which make them look 'fluffy', flowering best in hot, dry summers. Good mildew resistance.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, acid to neutral, well-drained soil in full sun. Hot summers are needed for best flowering
PruningPruning group 1, but will tolerate hard pruning if needed
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)