Lagerstroemia indica |
Native Region: China/Japan
Zone Range: 6-9
Preferred Climate: Full to semi sun; well draining average soil.
Harvest Date: Thursday 02 December, 2010
Seed count: 40-50
Description:
On this small tree, great clusters of crinkled petaled flowers create a massive continous bloom that can last 3 months or more starting in early summer. Colours range from brilliant white to vivid eye popping colours of pinks, reds, magentas and purple...attracting hummingbirds and other nectar seekers to its bounty. Peeling Stewartia-like tan-orange bark adds to its beauty. Multiple branches spring from the crown to create an open vase form to 3 metres or less. Lovely dark green leaves turn vivid yellow/orange in autumn. Flowers in a 2-3 years. Suitable for bonsai.
Notes:
Biggest blooms and clusters grow on strong new wood, most pruning in late fall/winter will encourage next years flowering, but left unpruned, the flowers are smaller. Easy to grow and drought tolerant when established.
Cultivation:
Super easy....germinates in 5-10 days when baggie sown. Place seed in a resealable baggie with a few tablespoons of barely moist mix of equal parts sand and peat. Blend seed with medium and shake so seed/medium collects in a corner of the baggie. Press firm but make sure there is air in the baggie. Provide 20-25C to germinate. Prick out and transplant. Grow in bright indirect light at 18C. Don't let seedlings dry out.
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