Lagerstroemia

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Lythraceae

Order

Myrtales

Genus

Lagerstroemia

Species

indicates

Description

A medium-sized deciduous tree with an upright habit and a globular crown. Its high ornamental value stems from the elegant, long, conical panicle-like inflorescences borne at the tips of the branches, as well as from the bark, which features patches or streaks of ochre and pink.

Highly hardy, it adapts to a variety of soil and climate conditions, including urban environments. Given the size it reaches, it is ideal as a garden plant, even in small gardens and on terraces, as well as for urban landscapes.

Variety description

A small tree with an elegant habit, featuring highly ornamental bark and flowers. It has a rounded crown and glossy dark green compound leaves, which turn yellow in autumn. It produces long-lasting, spectacular summer blooms. It includes cultivars of various colours. It is hardy and adaptable to various soil types and growing conditions, including urban environments. It requires a sunny position but tolerates partially shaded areas. It develops a very shallow root system and prefers well-drained clayey and sandy soils, but grows well in all soil types. Typically used as an ornamental tree in parkland settings, either as a solitary specimen or in small groups. Due to its modest size, it is suitable for planting in rows in small areas with limited space. Suitable for roof gardens. Resistant to pathogens and pruning, which must respect the architecture of the crown’s shape.

Curiosities and special features

Linnaeus named the botanical genus in honour of Magnus von Lagerström, director of the Swedish East India Company in the 18th century, who sent the Swedish naturalist numerous plant specimens.

Origin and distribution

A species native to the region comprising the Himalayas, southern China and Indochina; it was introduced to Europe from China as an ornamental plant in the mid-18th century.

Leaf

The leaf isparipinnate.

Leaf colour

A deep, solid green, in perfect colour harmony with the flower clusters. During the autumn foliage season, the leaves turn a golden yellow.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 1 to 10 m, depending on the growing conditions.

Generally speaking, it is a medium-sized tree.

Lifespan

Polyennial deciduous plant.

Where to plant

Given the size it reaches and the high ornamental value of its flowers, it is well suited as a plant for flowerbeds, planters, gardens and parks, open ground and terraces.

Stem

The woody stem has light-coloured bark with ochre and pinkish patches or plates, which lend the plant further ornamental value.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, medium-sized, with a funnel-shaped corolla. It is arranged in medium-sized panicle-like inflorescences. It flowers from early summer to late summer, with a flowering period of between 20 and 30 days.

Growth

A small tree with medium-vigorous growth.

Plant habit

It has an upright habit, with a slightly sinuous trunk and a compact, globular crown.

Branching

It develops medium branching, with vertical branches often branching out from the base.

PH

It requires a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting in early winter, choose the most suitable location, taking into account the plant’s requirements, and use a spade to dig a planting hole at least one-third larger than the volume of the roots or root ball, removing any weeds and large stones. Add organic matter and apply organic or chemical fertiliser as a base dressing to ensure the plant has the nutrients it needs during the early stages after transplanting.
It is also advisable to set up the stake, which should be securely fastened to the stem using clips once the plant has been planted.

Sun exposure

Expose the plant in bright shade, full sun for proper vegetative growth and lush summer flowering.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 10 and 30 °C; it adapts well to hot climates, even in urban areas.

Use

It is a very popular plant for:
Outdoor ornamental use Outdoor landscape design Landscaping

Hardiness

Highly hardy, it is suited to a variety of growing conditions.

Soil

It adapts to different soil conditions, but the ideal soil for proper root growth should be medium-textured, light and with organic matter.

Difficulty

Once it has become well-established at its new planting site, Lagerstroemia is easy to grow, making it even more useful.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation tips:
Avoid over-watering Exposure to direct sunlight

Planting

When planting, aim for an average density of 1,500 plants per hectare, selecting healthy specimens free from abiotic and biotic stress. Always identify the planting site in advance, taking into account the growing conditions required by the species, in accordance with the principle ‘the right plant in the right place’.

Carry out planting operations when the soil is at the right consistency – never too dry or too wet. Position the plant so that the root ball is completely covered with soil, whilst keeping the root collar above ground level; also apply a base dressing. Immediately after planting, tie the plant to a stake and provide support; also spread mulch around the base of the plant to reduce weed growth and root competition.

Pruning

In winter, carry out correct pruning of the plant in progression with its development, both in pots and in the open field, aimed at determining the structure of the foliage and adjusting the scaffolding of the branches. Also carry out minor pruning to remove any dried out or damaged parts.

Propagation

Reproduction is by cuttings or micropropagation.

Watering

When transplanting, keep the soil firm and at a moderate temperature, ensuring a constant level of moisture without waterlogging or periods of dryness.

Thereafter, prevent waterlogging and apply water in quantities, at intervals and in doses appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions throughout the different seasons.

Fertilising

When preparing the soil for transplanting, apply a base dressing by incorporating organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser specifically designed for ornamental plants into the soil.

Once the plant has become established in its new location, fertilise once a year in the spring with a complete fertiliser containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, taking care not to over- or under-fertilise.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible ornamental Species.

Tip

In the final phase, reduce all cultivation operations except weeding and relief irrigation. Keep the soil free and clean to favour the timing of operations. Carry out minor pruning to remove dried or broken parts.