LAGESTROMIA - CRAPE MYRTLE
FAMILY: LYTHRACEAE
ETYMOLOGY: Named after a swedish merchant, Magnus von Lagerstroem.
HABITAT: China, but probably first identified in India.
DESCRIPTION
It is an extreme popular tree covered with profuse bloom in summer. It grows to about 6 meters or a bit more. There are nearly 50 species known shrubs or trees. It generally has several angular trunks covered with smooth , light brown dark that flaked off to reveal the under lighter underbark. The crown is dense upright or rounded, sometimes as wide as the tree is high. The crinkled flowers blossom in summer white, pink tones, rarely they are available red and lavander.
The plant requires full sun and avarage soil. Can be growth somewhat north of its range if given excellent protection against the winter cold.
The plant is unique for fascinating big flowers and smooth bark. As the plant is small grower , it is one of the most valuable plants in nursery business. There are few plants which can compete with Lagestromia on the blossom beauty. The most known species is Lagestromia indica and its varieties. The plant can survive to -15 ºC.
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