Common Name: Crepe Myrtle

General Information

Lagerstroemia indica is a deciduous shrub or small tree with an upright, vase-shaped crown; it can grow from 3 - 8 metres tall[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood. It is used in soil stabilization projects and is a very ornamental plant, valued especially for its floral display and neat habit, being commonly grown in gardens, as a street tree etc from the warm temperate zone to the tropics - there are many named varieties[, ].
Lagerstroemia indica is a widely grown ornamental shrub or small tree that has escaped from cultivation and become naturalized on waste ground, disturbed sites, open grasslands, and along roadsides in a great variety of climates in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It has a very aggressive and dense root system that can outcompete native species. It is listed as invasive in South Africa, Belize, Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - China, Korea.

Habitat

Open grassy places and on cliffs at low altitudes[], also on forest edges[]. Semi-shaded places and fertile fields[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Lagerstroemia indica is a plant of the warm temperate zone, but is widely cultivated from the temperate zone to the tropics. Dormant plants are hardy to about -10°c if the wood is well ripened[]. The plant requires very hot and humid summers to do well[, ].
Succeeds in most well-drained soils in a sunny sheltered position, though appreciates some shade when growing in areas with very hot summers[, ]. Succeeds in a hot dry position. Succeeds in soils low in nutrients[]. Dislikes very alkaline soils[]. Established plants are very drought tolerant[].
A very ornamental plant, widely cultivated. There are many named cultivars, ranging in size from 1 - 8 metres[, ].
Young plants grow fairly quickly and will often flower in their first year after planting out[].
Flowers are produced in broad panicles on the tips of the current years growth[]. Any pruning is best carried out in the spring in order to encourage new growth[].
Plants do not transplant well and should be moved with a large rootball[].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The stem bark is febrifuge, stimulant and styptic[, ].

The bark, flowers and leaves are considered to be hydrogogue and a drastic purgative[]. A paste of the flowers is applied externally to cuts and wounds[].

The root is astringent, detoxicant and diuretic[, ].

A decoction of the flowers is used in the treatment of colds[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Lagerstroemia indica can succeed on poor soils, and has a dense and wide spreading root system which makes it useful for planting in erosion control projects[].
When growing in areas polluted by heavy metals the plant has been shown to concentrate several of these metals in its tissues. It has a high potential for use in phytoremediation projects, either as a means of removing these metals or as a means of locking them up and helping to restore the fertility of the soil[].

Other Uses

The white to light brown wood is hard. A useful timber of excellent quality[, ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse[]. Another report says to sow spring in a greenhouse[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Fair to good percentage[].
Cuttings of mature wood in the winter in a frame[].
Root cuttings 4cm long in December. High percentage[].