About
In late summer it produces abundant, dense clusters of pink-red flowers with crinkled petals. 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.
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)