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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean,
sub-tropical
Vigour
:
fast growing
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, very
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings
Maintenance :
low
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
low (700 ppm)
Hardiness
:
-12°C
SHAPE
Type
:
tree, shrub
Height
:
5 m-10 m
Spread
:
3 m-6 m
Foliage
:
deciduous
FLOWER
Colour
:
pink
Size
:
4 cm - 20 cm
Period
:
July - September
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
1.3 cm
Native to China, the Crape Myrtle is a beautiful, tall shrub or small tree growing up to 5 metres
high and wide, which makes a lovely accent in a garden. It is not very common in Arriyadh, be-
cause not all of its growing conditions can be fulfilled. However, some choice specimens can be
seen in Olaya. Looking best with multiple trunks, L. indica has dark-green, oval leaves up to 5 cm
long (light green with a copper tone in spring, turning brilliant orange or red in autumn) and clu-
sters of delicate, crinkly petalled flowers. There are many cultivars with a wide range of colours
from brilliant red to pink, purple, lavender and white. One of its most attractive attributes is the
attractive, smooth grey-brown trunk and branch structure, appearing to be polished in winter,
the bark of which peels off to reveal a pinkish inner bark. The tree requires sun and heat to flower
well, with some wind protection, and although quite drought-resistant, regular irrigation and
deep watering in summer are appreciated. The Crape Myrtle prefers well-drained, fertile, sandy
soils. It will tolerate frost in Arriyadh. Propagation is usually by seed. A slow-release fertiliser,
rich in nitrogen and potassium, can be applied twice or three times per year. Prone also to leaf
burn and chlorosis, owing to irrigation with saline and alkaline water, the soil must be leached
and treated with iron. Requiring only low maintenance and light pruning to encourage flowering,
this tree is excellent on patios, in containers, and close to doorways.
178
Lagerstroemia indica,
Lythraceae
Crape Myrtle