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Crape Myrtle Lagerstroemia limii

Previously known as:

  • Lagerstroemia chekiangensis
Phonetic Spelling
la-ger-STROH-mee-ah LIM-ee-eye
Description

This crape myrtle species is a perennial, flowering shrub or tree in the Loosestrife family, native to the mixed forests and low mountains of China. It is not generally planted itself, but it is an important parent plant in breeding. When combined with other species, it contributes its cold hardiness and attractive reddish-pink flower color to the resulting cultivar. The plant itself is multi-branched with leathery leaves and 3 to 7 inch tubular flowers.

Crape myrtle does best in full sun and average medium moisture, well drained soil. The plant will tolerate loamy, clay soils with good drainage, but overly fertile soils tend to produce lush foliage at the expense of flowering. Water roots deeply, particularly in dry spells, but avoid wetting the foliage. Crape myrtle tends to do well in warm, Southern climates, but it may be wise to plant in a protected location and apply a winter mulch. If the plant fails, it is usually due to the lack of summer heat to encourage vigorous growth and harden the wood.

In hardiness zones 5 to 6, the tree or shrub is susceptible to winter injury, especially any top growth. Be aware that the flowers can stain walkways or the paint of your car. Avoid planting near a walkway or driveway.  This plant is often browsed by deer.  

Pruning should be completed in winter or early spring, as this plant blooms on new wood.  

A layer of organic mulch will help keep the plant retain moisture.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: 

Aphids and scales are potential insects Potential diseases include leaf spots and powdery mildew.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#small tree#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#deciduous shrub#large shrub#flowering shrub#large flowers#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#small tree#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#deciduous shrub#large shrub#flowering shrub#large flowers#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Lagerstroemia
    Species:
    limii
    Family:
    Lythraceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Root Cutting
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    China
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Multi-stemmed
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Dry elliptical capsule 1/3 of an inch long. Capsules open to release winged seeds.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Cup
    Tubular
    Flower Size:
    > 6 inches
    Flower Description:
    Reddish pink, pubescent panicles of terminal flower clusters with crepe paper texture. Flowers bloom from May to June. Panicles are 3 to 7 inches. Petals reddish to pink.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Leathery
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Oblong
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Thin, leathery leaves, pubesenct, with an short, pointed apex. Leaf blade 2 inches by 3 inches, fine hairs on midvein and lateral veins.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Dark Brown
    Red/Burgundy
    Surface/Attachment:
    Exfoliating
    Peeling
    Bark Description:
    Dark brown exfoliating to reveal red bark underneath.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Gray/Silver
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Angular
    Stem Form:
    Straight
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    Dense gray or yellow brown branches, terete, pubescent.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Design Feature:
    Flowering Tree
    Small Tree
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Heat
    Pollution