Lagerstroemia is a plant that is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is a member of the family Lythraceae, which includes other plants such as the crape myrtle. The lagerstroemia plant has a number of different common names, including crepe myrtle, crape jasmine, and banab. The plant is characterized by its showy flowers, which can be pink, red, purple, or white in color. The lagerstroemia plant is a popular ornamental plant, and it is often used in landscaping.
Also called
- PrIDESCENT lagerstroemia
- crape myrtle
- Japanese crape myrtle
- Chinese crape myrtle
- Indian crape myrtle
Things to Know
- Lagerstroemia is a genus of around 50-60 species of flowering plants in the family Lythraceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World.
- The genus includes both shrubs and trees, and is most diverse in Southeast Asia.
- The best-known member of the genus is the crepe myrtle (L. indica), which is widely cultivated as a ornamental plant in warm temperate and subtropical regions.
- Other popular ornamental species include the Queen's Crape Myrtle (L. speciosa) and the Regal Crape Myrtle (L. regina).
- The flowers of Lagerstroemia are typically large and showy, and are borne in clusters.
- The fruits are also showy, and often open to reveal colorful seeds.
- Many species of Lagerstroemia are used in traditional medicine, and the genus has a long history of cultivation for ornamental and medicinal purposes.
- Lagerstroemia is named after the 18th century Swedish botanist Carl Peter Thunberg.
- The common name "crape myrtle" comes from the crepe-like appearance of the flowers.
- Lagerstroemia is closely related to the genus Symplocos, and some species were formerly included in that genus.
Planting Process
- For lagerstroemia, first step is to find a planting location. The location should have well-drained soil and full sun.
- Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball.
- Place the tree in the hole and fill in with soil. Firm the soil around the tree.
- Water the tree thoroughly.
- Apply a layer of mulch around the tree, but not touching the trunk.
- Lagerstroemia are relatively drought tolerant, so they do not need to be watered frequently. However, during the first growing season, water the tree deeply once a week.
- Fertilize the tree in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
- Prune the lagerstroemia tree in late winter or early spring.
- The tree does not need to be pruned every year, but can be pruned to shape as needed.
- Lagerstroemia are relatively low maintenance trees and do not require a lot of care.
Related plant:
Lagerstroemia Indica
Soil Condition
About soil condition, Lagerstroemia like slightly acidic to mildly alkaline soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. The tree does not tolerate wet feet and will show symptoms of iron chlorosis if the soil is too wet or has poor drainage.
Light condition
Just like other plants, Lagerstroemia needs sunlight to grow and develop properly. However, too much sunlight can damage the leaves, so it is important to find a balance. The best place for Lagerstroemia is in an area that gets full sun in the morning and partial sun in the afternoon.
Good Temperature
The temperature condition that lagerstroemia thrive in may vary depending on the species. For example, some species may prefer hot and humid climates while others may prefer cooler temperatures. However, in general, lagerstroemia prefer warm climates and do not tolerate cold climates very well. If the temperature dips below freezing, the plant may die.
Humidity Aspect
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 60-70%. If the humidity drops below 60%, the leaves will start to drop. If the humidity stays above 70% for a prolonged period of time, the leaves will start to turn yellow and fall off.
Fertilizer Requirement
Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant does not require much. In fact, too much fertilizer will result in foliage growth rather than flower production. The best time to fertilize is in early spring, using a low-nitrogen fertilizer. As for the roots, they are quite resilient and can bounce back from most mistakes. However, if the roots are allowed to dry out completely, the plant will die.
About light
Pruning is an important part of caring for a lagerstroemia plant. When and how you prune your plant will depend on the type of lagerstroemia you have. Some types of lagerstroemia need to be pruned regularly to maintain their shape, while others only need to be pruned when they are damaged or overgrown.
If you are not sure how to prune your lagerstroemia, consult a gardener or nursery professional. The wrong type of pruning can damage your plant, so it is important to get it right.
Plant Propagation
Propagation is generally by stem cuttings, taken from late spring through mid-summer, that are rooting in 4-6 weeks. Allow cuttings to dry for a few hours before insert into a moist, well-drained rooting medium.
Plant Growth
Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the plant's size. The larger the plant, the slower the growth rate. There are some dwarf varieties of lagerstroemia that have a higher growth rate than the larger varieties.
Basic Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew is a white, powdery growth that appears on the leaves and stems of the plant. Root rot is a condition where the roots of the plant start to rot and decay. Leaf spot is a brown or black spot that appears on the leaves of the plant.
Tips on Growing
- Remember to plant your lagerstroemia in an area that receives full sun.
- Water your lagerstroemia regularly, making sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Fertilize your lagerstroemia every few weeks during the growing season.
- Prune your lagerstroemia as needed to maintain its shape and size.
- Protect your lagerstroemia from extreme cold or heat by placing it in a sheltered location.
- Watch for pests and diseases that could affect your lagerstroemia.
- When planting lagerstroemia, make sure to space the plants at least 2 feet apart.
- Mulch around your lagerstroemia to help retain moisture in the soil.
- Check the roots of your lagerstroemia periodically to make sure they are not getting too wet or dry.
- Harvest the flowers of your l
You May Like
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- Lagerstroemia indica, Lagerstroemia indica plant
- Lagerstroemia intermedia, Lagerstroemia intermedia plant
- Lagerstroemia foetida, Lagerstroemia foetida plant
- Lagerstroemia lanceolata, Lagerstroemia lanceolata plant
- Lagerstroemia salicifolia, Lagerstroemia salicifolia plant
- Lagerstroemia parviflora, Lagerstroemia parviflora
Source:
Lagerstroemia Crape Myrtle - ucanr.edu
(PDF) Lagerstroemia (Lythraceae) pollen from the Miocene ... - Academia.edu
Lagerstroemia indica, crape myrtle | Trees of Stanford & Environs
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