Genus of 50 species
of deciduous or evergreen trees occurring in deciduous woodland,
often near rivers, in warm-temperate and tropical regions from
Asia to Australia. The species commonly used for bonsai is Lagerstroemia
communis or Lagerstroemia indica, the Crepe Myrtle.
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.
BONSAI CULTIVATION
NOTES
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. Overwinter in a position in a partially heated room
where temperatures are allowed to drop at night to allow leaf-drop
and dormancy. Ensure good humidity levels are provided by use
of a gravel tray.
(Myrtles grown in areas with high summer temperatures are able
to ripen growth relatively quickly and are more winter hardy)
FEEDING Feed fortnightly from Spring to Autumn, do not feed
during the winter when dormant.
REPOTTING Annually in Spring as new growth commences in a
basic soil mix.
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. Myrtles produce many upward growing
shoots that need wiring down to produce branch structure, wiring
is very easily carried out until branches reach 3 to 4 years of
age at which point they become very brittle and snap easily.
PROPAGATION Sow seed at 10-13°C in Spring. Root softwood cuttings
in late Spring or semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in Summer.
PEST AND DISEASES Mealy bugs, red spider mites and whiteflies
can be a problem on indoor trees.
STYLING Informal upright forms, cascade forms in medium to
extra-large sizes.