Lagerstroemia

Description

Lagerstroemia, commonly known as Crepe Myrtle, is a genus of deciduous flowering trees and shrubs that belong to the Lythraceae family. It is native to Asia, and some species are also found in Australia and Oceania. Crepe Myrtles are known for their beautiful, crepe-like flowers that bloom in the summer and fall, in shades of pink, red, purple, and white. The leaves are simple, opposite, and ovate, with a smooth or slightly toothed margin. The bark is smooth, gray, and mottled, and it sheds annually, revealing the smooth, new bark underneath.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Myrtales
Family	Lythraceae
Genus	Lagerstroemia

Appearance

Crepe Myrtles vary in size, from small shrubs to tall trees that can reach up to 30 feet in height. The flowers are the most distinctive characteristic of the plant, and they come in clusters that can be up to a foot long. The flowers have crinkled petals that resemble crepe paper, hence the name “Crepe Myrtle.” The leaves are typically green, but some species have red or orange foliage. In the fall, the leaves change color and turn shades of yellow, orange, and red. The bark is smooth and mottled, and it peels off in thin sheets.

Care Guide

Crepe Myrtles are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of soil types and conditions. They prefer well-draining soil and full sun exposure. Here are some tips for caring for your Crepe Myrtle:- Water: Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.- Fertilization: Fertilize once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Crepe Myrtles can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but they prefer well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.- Sunlight: Crepe Myrtles need full sun exposure to bloom and grow properly.- Hardiness Zones: Crepe Myrtles are hardy in zones 7-9, but some species can tolerate colder temperatures.

Common Pests & Diseases

Crepe Myrtles are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be affected by some common issues. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that affect Crepe Myrtles:- Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and flowers.- Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves and flowers.- Japanese Beetles: Beetles that feed on the leaves and flowers, causing damage and defoliation.- Scale Insects: Small, immobile insects that attach to the bark and suck sap from the tree.

Habitat

Crepe Myrtles are native to Asia, and they are commonly found in China, Korea, and Japan. Some species are also found in Australia and Oceania. They grow in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and grasslands.

Question and Answer

Q: When do Crepe Myrtles bloom?

A: Crepe Myrtles bloom in the summer and fall, typically from July to September.

Q: How tall do Crepe Myrtles grow?

A: Crepe Myrtles vary in size, from small shrubs to tall trees that can reach up to 30 feet in height.

Q: How often should I water my Crepe Myrtle?

A: Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.

Q: What is the best fertilizer for Crepe Myrtles?

A: Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula, and apply it once a year in the spring.

Related Plants

– Lythrum salicaria- Rotala rotundifolia- Ammannia coccinea- Cuphea ignea- Alternanthera reineckii

References

– “Lagerstroemia.” The Plant List. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.theplantlist.org/1.1/browse/A/Lythraceae/Lagerstroemia/.- Dirr, Michael A. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses. Stipes Publishing L.L.C, 2009.- Gilman, Edward F. Crepe Myrtle. University of Florida, IFAS Extension. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/MG/MG26600.pdf.