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Overview
Lagerstroemia spp. are deciduous trees or large shrubs ranging from 3-30 feet (0.9-9 m) tall depending on cultivar selection. The genus exhibits smooth, exfoliating bark in shades of cinnamon, tan, and gray that provides year-round visual interest. Leaves are opposite to sub-opposite, oval to oblong, 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long, emerging bronze to reddish-purple in spring and maturing to dark green. Terminal panicles 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long bear crinkled, crepe-textured flowers in shades of white, pink, lavender, red, or purple from mid-summer through early fall. Bloom period extends 60-90 days where summer heat is sufficient. Fall foliage turns shades of yellow, orange, and red. In the Pacific Northwest, performance depends heavily on cultivar selection and siting; the genus requires more heat than the region typically provides. Flowering is reduced or absent in cool, overcast summers, and plants sited in cool or shaded locations may not bloom. Cultivars bred for cold hardiness, such as those from the U.S. National Arboretum breeding program, are more reliable in USDA zones 7-9. In zones 6 and cooler parts of zone 7, dieback to the ground is common in winter, with regrowth from the base the following season. Powdery mildew is a persistent issue in humid conditions, though many modern cultivars show improved resistance.
Native Range
Native to eastern and southern Asia, from China and Japan south through the Indian subcontinent to northern Australia. Most cultivated forms derive from Lagerstroemia indica (native to China, Korea, and Japan) and its hybrids with Lagerstroemia fauriei (native to Japan).Suggested Uses
Commonly planted as a specimen tree, in small groups, or as a street tree in warm-climate regions. In the Pacific Northwest, site against south-facing walls or near heat-absorbing pavement to increase bloom reliability. Dwarf cultivars 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) tall are suitable for containers of at least 15 gallons (57 L).How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 30'
Width/Spread3' - 25'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Mid-July through September in warm-summer areas; bloom may begin in August and extend into October in the Pacific Northwest where summer heat arrives late. In cool or overcast summers, flowering may be sparse or absent. Individual flowers last 1-2 weeks; total bloom period extends 8-12 weeks with adequate heat accumulation.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, pink, lavender, red, or purple depending on cultivarFoliage Description
Dark green, emerging bronze to reddish-purple in springGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Water deeply once per week during the first two growing seasons. Established plants tolerate moderate drought but flower production decreases during dry periods exceeding 2-3 weeks. Site in the warmest available microclimate with reflected heat from pavement or south-facing walls to maximize bloom potential in the Pacific Northwest. Powdery mildew develops on susceptible cultivars during humid conditions; select resistant cultivars where this is a recurring issue. Japanese beetles feed on foliage and flowers in areas where the pest is established. Apply a 2-3 inch (5-8 cm) layer of mulch around the base, keeping it 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) from the trunk to prevent bark rot.Pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove crossing, dead, or weak branches and thin interior to improve air circulation. In the Pacific Northwest, winter-killed stems should be cut back to live wood in spring. Avoid severe topping to stubs, which produces weak, whip-like growth and reduces flowering over time.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons