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Crape myrtle - Lagerstroemia
sp.
General information:
Crape myrtle makes an excellent bonsai due to its exquisite branch
ramification and the contrast of the red upon silver of the peeling
bark. Native to Asia, the crape myrtle is very common in the
southern US, having been introduced over 150 years ago. It has
small pink, white or purple flowers, but is often displayed in
winter to show off its trunk and branch structure. It gets its
common name from its crepe-like, crinkled petals, and the resemblance
of its leves to the true myrtle, Myrtus communis.
Family: Lythraceae
Lighting: Full
sun.
Temperature: Zones
7-9A, althought some of the dwarf cultivars can be grown as far
north as zone 5. Can be successfully grown as an indoor plant;
if this is done it should be kept at a temperature of 45-54 degrees
in the winter to stimulate dormancy - the crape myrtle should
dropits leaves. If it is exposed to a combination of warm temperatures
and low light (as inside many houses in winter) the crape myrtle's
new growth will be leggy and sappy.
Watering:
Frequently in spring, moderately during the rest of the year.
Reduce watering in winter and just before flowering to encourage
bud formation.
Feeding:
Every two weeks in spring-autumn. Alternate a general purpose
plant food or bonsai food with a low nitrogen tomato fertilizer.
Pruning and wiring: The crape myrtle flowers at the ends of its shoots,
so one must take care with pruning if flowering is desired. The
safest method is to prune only in autumn, and in any case, a
good autumn pruning will stimulate bud production for next year.
Betsy recommends cutting the crape myrtle back severely, then
allowing it to grow freely for a year to thicken the trunk. The
next year, pinch the tree constantly to promote branch ramification.
If pruning is discontinued shortly before the flowering period,
it may still flower. May be wired from spring to autumn, taking
care to protect the bark. The branches are delicate, however,
and it is just as easy to shape through pruning due to the excellent
branch ramification.
Propagation: From
seed in spring, or by softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings taken
in spring or summer.
Repotting: Every
1-3 years in early spring to summer, most safely done before
bud burst. Use basic soil mix.
Pests and diseases: Pests: Scale and aphids are other common
problems. The plant will only flower during a warm, dry summer.
Diseases: Powdery mildew, although mildew resistant varieties
are available.
Some species suitable for bonsai:
- Lagerstroemia hirsuta - this native of
India and New Guinea has purplish red or white flowers. Needs
temperatures above 50 degrees, but also likes a cooler period
in winter.
- Lagerstroemia indica: crape myrtle, Chinese
crape myrtle - Grows to 20 feet tall, with 9 inch flower clusters.
There are many cultivars. can take temperatures as low as 43
degrees.
- Lagerstroemia indica 'Alba': white crape
myrtle
- Lagerstroemia indica 'Amabilia': purple
crape myrtle
- Lagerstroemia indica 'Cordon Bleu' - A
dwarf with lavender flowers.
- Lagerstroemia indica 'Pixie Pink' - Very
dwarf, with pink flowers.
- Lagerstroemia speciosa: Queen's crape
myrtle - This tiny tropical plant grows to only 8 inches. Its
flowers are pink to red. Keep at 50-59F in winter.
Bibliography:
USDA Fact Sheet ST-342
University of Florida, Agricultural Extension Service, Fact Sheet
ENH-52
Compiled by Sabrina Caine
Edited by Thomas L. Zane
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