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 Crape
Myrtles - Lagerstroemia indica
Crape Myrtles come from the
Lythraceae family of flowering plants that includes
approximately 600 species, including herbs, shrubs and
trees. This family has a worldwide distribution in tropical
and temperate climate regions.
The French botanist, Andre Michaux, first introduced the
Common Crape Myrtle to Charleston, South Carolina in 1790.
Originally, this multi-stemmed flowering shrub came from
China and Korea. Over the last 200 years of cultivation, it
now has a variety of characteristics making it useful as a
tree, hedge, and dwarf tree growing in various zones,
depending of species.
Crape Myrtles are known for their summer color and as tree
that do not lift pavement. They love full sun and must have
heat to bloom well. Being drought resistant, they like well
drained soil and appreciate non-alkaline soil. They can grow
from cuttings and need only light fertilizing. The are
perfect for medians, space definers and can be grown in
large containers.
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In cooler summer climates with high
humidity, mildew can be a problem. Trees
reach 15-20 feet in height with the shrubs
growing from 3-6 feet in height. The growth
rate is moderate and can they can be grown
as a perennial. The delicate flowers are
borne in large clusters and usually burst
into bloom at the first onset of summer
heat. Flowering can continue until the cool
fall weather, and at that time the oval
leaves can turn yellow, orange and red
before dropping. You can find Crape Myrtles
in reds, pinks, lavenders, purples and
white. The bark is smooth and silky, and
this is one of the plants that is showy all
year round.
For more about Crape Myrtles in the Southern
California region,
click here.
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