Lagerstroemia indica
crapemyrtle

Notes:

Sunset does not recommend the species north of zone 32, so it's a good thing nobody actually bothers with the species, in favor of its countless cultivars (and hybrids with L. subcostata var. fauriei, which see).

Long bloom period.

Prefers deep soil. USDA is an outlier in denying clay tolerance.

'Whit I' (Raspberry Sundae) is fragrant; 'Whit II' (Dynamite) and 'Whit III' (Pink Velour) are considered two of the cold-hardiest cultivars. The plant patents on all three have now expired.

Considering the listing of crapemyrtle on the Mid-Atlantic Exotic Pest Plant Council Plant List, I would be remiss not to mention seedless varieties. The aforementioned 'Whit I' and 'Whit III', and 'Whit VIII' (Rhapsody in Pink), are nearly seedless; 'Whit V' (Tightwad Red), 'Whit IX' (Double Feature), and 'Whit X' (Double Dynamite) are seedless. 'Whit XI' (Raunchy) is so sterile it doesn't even produce flowers -- just sepals.

Sources: UFL, Sunset, Cal Poly, Missouri BG, USDA.

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Tags:

attracts:birds (ex-humming)
branches strong
clay tolerant
compacted soil intolerant
deadheading recommended
drought tolerant
exposure:full sun
fall color notable
form:multi-trunked
form:shrub
form:tree
habit:rounded
habit:spreading/wide
habit:vase
infertile soil tolerant
litter:minimal
persistence:deciduous
pollution tolerant
pruning not required
rich soil preferred
root restriction tolerant
roots:low damage potential
sandy soil tolerant
showy bark
showy flowers
type:broadleaf
use:container
use:cut flowers
use:deck/patio
use:hedge
use:screen
use:shade tree
use:specimen
use:street
water:moderate to little


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