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| Lagerstroemia indica
Crepe myrtleCulture: Restricted in its usefulness because of its lack of cold hardiness. Although not generally winter hardy in the Midwest, some gardeners prefer to grow it as a die-back shrub, which is capable of being frozen or cut to the ground and still flowering on the new wood produced the following summer. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun, tolerating the heat of southern states. The crapemyrtle has a host of insect and disease problems. Dirr provides and extensive listing. Of more recent concern is the taste Japanese Beetles have for the flowers of this species. Despite these problems this will continue to be a highly used plant where it can be grown. Usage: The smaller forms can be used in the shrub border, while the more commonly used small tree selections are used as specimens, often in rows to maximize the effect of the flowers and bark. |
