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Information about plants & gardens for Brisbane & Qld |
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Lagerstroemia
species, hybrids and cultivars
Other Common Names: Crepe Myrtles, Crape Myrtles
Family: Lythraceae
These flowering trees are an old favourite in Queensland gardens. Rather than a tropical flamboyance, they have a more delicate look reminiscent of the cooler climate trees. Their leaves may even colour up a little in autumn and fall in winter.
These old-fashioned favourites have enjoyed renewed interest in recent years with the development of many new varieties in a range of sizes.
Breeding work has produced a plethora of varieties ranging from groundcovers to full-sized trees in assorted colours. Be guided by the label or do your research first to select a suitable variety for the intended position.
Even though they lose leaves in winter, the dwarf types may nevertheless be an option if a tough flowering shrub is required. Look out for 'Little Chief' (Pink), 'Nana Dark Pink', 'Nana White', 'Nana Mauve'.
Larger crepe myrtles losing their leaves can be an advantage - it lets more light into the garden and creates a traditional, European look. Some of the varieties available in Australia include 'Natchez' (white), Tonto' (dark pink/red), 'Soiux' (Bright Pink), 'Zuni' (Dark Lavender), 'Yuma' (Lavender), Lipan (Lavender).
Crepe myrtles have a reputation for suckering off damaged roots. If underplanting, consider permanent shrubs/groundcovers that won't require regular digging in the future.
In spite of the common name, they aren't members of the plant family Mrytaceae (which includes eucalypts and lilypillies). Crepe myrtles belong to the family Lythraceae.
Crepe Myrtles in the Landscape
Click for larger images.
Mature crepe myrtles, old-fashioned varieties
Roots have strong tendency to sucker, even when the entire above-ground part of the tree has been removed
They will sprout readily from old wood if the need to be cut severely. Cutting back every year is one way to manage old, large-growing types and keep them as small trees or shrub-sized specimens.
Old trees, Brisbane, early January 2020
The same trees during winter (late August 2021)
Coming into leaf about 3 weeks later (September 2021)
Mistletoe on crepe myrtle is easy to spot in the deciduous phase in winter
Dark-leaved varieties
A relatively new development in crepe myrtle breeding is the dark-leaved varieties. These come with a number of different flower colours.
'Red Hot', one of the Diamonds in the Dark® series
Other dark-leaved cultivar, exact variety not known
Other examples of crepe myrtles various landscaping situations
Lagerstroemia speciosa
This is less commonly grown in Australia, but you might come across it occasionally.
 ABN 38 518 961 623 |
