Lagerstroemia indica/Crepe Myrtle Species Guide
L. indica is an upright, deciduous tree with peeling, grey and brown bark and small dark-green, opposite leaves to 8cm. Each plant has separate male and female flowers; vast numbers appear in Summer clothing the tree in white, pink, red or purple depending on the variety.
Ease of Cultivation (in the UK/temperate climates) 5/10 Suitablity and Ease for Bonsai Styling 7/10
Position In summer Myrtles need to placed outside in a sunny position though they will tolerate a sunny position indoors. Myrtles are not fully hardy and need to be brought indoors from October to May when there is a risk of night temperatures dropping below 2-3°C.
As Myrtles require indoor cultivation for at least 6 months of the year (in temperate climates) they tend to be a little difficult to look after.
Pruning Wait until new shoots have extended and then cut back to one or two pairs of leaves in late Spring. Do not prune again until Autumn as flower buds are formed on growth that develops from early Summer onwards.
Propagation Sow seed at 10-13°C in Spring. Root softwood cuttings in late Spring or semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in Summer.
Pests and Diseases Mealy bugs, red spider mites and whiteflies can be a problem on indoor trees.
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