Lagerstroemia indica |
Origin: China/Japan
Zone Range: 6-9
Preferred Situation: Full to semi sun; well draining average soil.
Harvest Date: Thursday 22 November, 2007
Description:
This selection of Crepe Myrtle reaches 3 meters tall with nearly the same spread. One of the more floriferous selections one can want as the bloom period can last 3 months or more starting in June. Great clusters of bright medium pink flowers are much loved by nectar and pollen seekers are borne on upsweeping branches. If that wasn't enough, bark peels away in patches giving pink, ivory and tan hues. Lovely simple green leaves turn bright yellowish orange in Autumn. Grows quickly and blooms at a young age (sometimes in its first year!). Suitable for bonsai.
Notes:
Blooms on new wood, but take care when pruning as it doesn't take kindly to rough handling. Easy to grow and drought tolerant when established. Open pollinated. Vibrant flower colour varies from white, red, various hues of pink and purple.
Cultivation:
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 20-25 C to germinate. Should sprout in 5-10 days. Prick out and transplant. Grow in bright indirect light at 18C. Don't let seedlings dry out.
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