Lagerstroemia indica

Lagerstroemia indica(melendres) has many varieties with some being dwarf and others grown as larger trees. Dwarf shrubs range from (2-5 ft) to large trees (up to 40 ft). Ensure the crown of the plant is just above ground level if you wish to have a healthy plant. Also try to be attentive for pests (Aphids) and diseases such as Powdery Mildew.

Lagerstoemia indica specifics

  • Core Identification & Taxonomy
    • Scientific Name: Lagerstoemia indica
    • Common Name: Melendres, Crepe Myrtle, Crape Myrtle, Sarusuberi in Japan.
    • Family: Luthraceae
    • Varietals: 15 hybrid cultivars have been developed.
    • Habitat/Range: Native to subtropical regions of East Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia. Nepal, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Southern China, Taiwan, Philippines, and Japan.
  • Morphology & Characteristics
    • Growth Habit: Tree; irregular or crooked growth, deadwood patterns
    • Leaves: Small, Smooth edged, circular or oval shaped. Normally dark green until colder seasons change to orange and red if you live in cooler climates.
    • Flowers: Flowers can be white, pink, mauve, purple, or carmine. climates.
    • Fruit/Seed: Can produce a smalll green seed capsuleafter flowers fade.
    • Stem/Bark: Bark is thin, smoooth, and a pinkish-gray color. 
    • Growth: Fast growing when maintained
  • Bonsai Notes
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun 4-8 hours daily. This plant can stand the afternoon sun.
    • Water Use: Drought tolerant once established, requires well darining soil. Do not let the soil completely dry out.
    • Soil Mix: Limestone (anapog), Akadama, Pumice, Lava Rock
    • Fertilizing: balanced fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during the active growing season (spring through autumn). Reduce or stop feeding during the dormant period or after a heavy repotting.
  • Styling and Maintenance
    • Pruning for Ramification: Regular pruning is essentia and done in spring. Often styled as infomrla upright or cascade.
    • Defoliation: Normally pruned instead of defoliation.
    • Wiring: Branches can be wired year-round, but monitor the wire closely may scar if the wire “bites” in during periods of fast growth. Once branches are 3-4 years old they become too brittle to wire.

Gallery images

First, we are uploading pictures of our plants to show the parts of a plant that may help in identification. Second, we only have so many plants and my photography skills are not actually skillful. Finally, if it would help to see another angle or view, view us a message and we will attempt to get the right picture perspective.