Lagerstroemia indica CREPE MYRTLE (10 seeds)

Crepe Myrtle, is a small, hardy tropical tree with a slow growth rate. It reaches 3 to 4 meters in height and belongs to the Lythraceae family. Native to China, it acclimates very well to the European climate.

The spectacular pink flowering is very abundant and melliferous. It begins in early July and lasts until the end of October. Its double flowers, called muslin flowers, grow on old branches and release a sweet, captivating fragrance.

The fruits are green capsules that turn black at maturity, containing numerous winged seeds. They measure an average of 1 cm in diameter.

Crape myrtle seeds from Lagerstroemia indica are brown, triangular in shape, and feature a small wing for wind dispersal. Its deciduous foliage is generous, with oval-shaped, smooth, glossy, and dark green leaves.

- Uses:

It is primarily cultivated as an ornamental shrub. The beauty of its foliage and its spectacular summer blooming make it a top choice for gardens. Its decorative appeal, size, and shape allow for the creation of hedges, but it is equally beautiful when planted as a standalone specimen. In Chinese medicine, this summer lilac is used for its healing and cicatrizing properties.
Do not use for medicinal purposes without seeking medical advice.

- Germination and Sowing of Seeds:

• The ideal period for sowing Crepe Myrtle is between February and April.
• Begin by stratifying the seeds for 1 month in the refrigerator or directly outside during winter.
• Soak them for 12 hours in lukewarm water.
• Sow in pots of horticultural potting soil, covering them with 1 to 2 millimeters of substrate.
• Water gently by spraying.
• Finally, place the culture in a greenhouse in a warm, humid spot at a temperature around 20 to 25°C.
• Germination can take 1 to 2 months after stratification and sowing.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

To cultivate it effectively, the substrate should be low in lime, light, and rich in organic matter. The soil must be well-draining. For container gardening, ensure the bottom is well-drained with a layer of clay pebbles.

- Exposure / Light:

It loves bright light conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to place this free-flowering shrub in a full sun location.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

This variety particularly enjoys temperatures ranging from 23 to 35°C. It is a plant that resists light winter frosts very well. Its minimum temperature should not drop below -10°C. Its USDA hardiness zone is 8.

- Watering / Irrigation:

The shrub needs regular watering to bloom well. Two waterings at the base of the plant will be necessary during intense heatwaves. Be careful of overwatering, which can cause root rot if the plant is grown in a pot.

- Multiplication / Reproduction:

It multiplies easily by seeds, but also by cuttings by taking a 15 cm long branch. Remove the rows of leaves except for the last one, then plant the stem in a mixture of potting soil and sand. Finally, place the pot in a greenhouse for 3 to 6 weeks.

- Pests / Diseases:

This species is prone to aphid attacks during the spring. A treatment based on tansy manure will effectively eliminate this pest. Regarding fungal diseases, the foliage is sometimes attacked by powdery mildew, a fungus that leaves a white film on the leaves. A treatment with Bordeaux mixture will be useful for the treatment.