Plant of the Week - Crepe Myrtle

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Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia)

DESCRIPTION…

Nothing is lovelier on a summer’s day than coming across a gorgeous, old crepe myrtle in all its glory. My favourite is the beautiful cerise pink variety but the mauve and white shades are equally as elegant. The flowers remind you of screwed up little bits of paper, clustered at the end of graceful branches. Growing from 2 to 9 metres high, they can be pruned quite hard to keep them in check. Crepe Myrtle’s are a tree for all seasons whether they be in flower in summer, shedding their brilliant autumn leaves, or exposing their beautiful smooth bark in winter. If you want to attract Eastern Rosellas to your garden, plant a Crepe Myrtle as they love the seed heads.

CARE…

Plant your Crepe Myrtle in a sunny position and prune in late winter. They do need water while they are establishing themselves but are low care after that. August is the time to feed your Crepe Myrtles with a high potash fertiliser.

PROBLEMS…

The Indian Summer series are the most popular, particularly due to their tolerance to powdery mildew which can be a problem with the older varieties.

WHERE TO BUY…

Head to your local Bunnings to check out the ‘Diamonds in the Dark’ range ($26.97) that have near-black foliage and grow to 3 metres tall. They include red, pink and white varieties. Otherwise, pick up an Indian Summer variety for ($19.90).