Crepe Myrtle - Lagerstroemia. Family: Lythraceae
Driving through Northern NSW, one couldn't help but be amazed at the magnificent growth and colour of the various Crepe Myrtles growing in properties along the road.
A couple of years ago, we planted up a selection of the new hybrids in the Botanic Gardens in the bed at the end of the Rose Garden.
They are, perhaps, in a little too much shade but even so, they gave quite a display to enhance the already beautiful rose display.
The hybrids, (Lagerstroemia indica x L fauriei) called the ‘Indian Summer Range’ were developed in America from two differing species, one having anti powdery mildew qualities and the other prolific bunches of flowers.
Each cultivar is named after an American Indian tribe.
The other type of Crepe Myrtle plant we have in the Gardens now, because of the growth of surrounding trees, is in almost total shade (hence, no flowers yet) and is situated at the entrance to the Japanese garden by Charlie's Creek.
This plant is Lagerstroemier speciosa (Queen's Flower) and exhibits different habits to the new hybrids.
Mainly native to Eastern Asia, there is also an Australian species called Lagerstroemia archewriana.
Not only do Crepe Myrtles have magnificent flowers, their trunks develop beautiful multi-toned 'exfoliating bark’ that gives them a place in any garden.
They can be pruned but this will destroy the look of the trunk. Also, keep a lookout for suckers.
In Asia, the timber from some species has been used to manufacture bridges and railway sleepers!
Lagerstroemia, commonly known as Crape myrtle, is a genus of around 50 species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs native to the Indian subcontinent, southeast Asia, northern Australia and parts of Oceania, cultivated in warmer climates around the world.
It is a member of the Lythraceae, which is also known as the Loosestrife family. The genus is named after the Swedish merchant Magnus von Lagerström, who supplied Carolus Linnaeus with plants he collected.