Lagerstroemia floribunda – Crape Myrtle – Crepe Myrtle –

Description

Lagerstroemia – Crape Myrtle – Crepe Myrtle – There are about 53 species of deciduous or evergreen shrubs and trees in this genus.  They occur in deciduous woodland, often near rivers in warm temperate and tropical regions from Southeastern Asia to Northern Australia.  They are grown for their conical, brightly colored panicles of flowers in shades of pink, mauve and white, with characteristic 5 crinkled petals, and for their often smooth, peeling bark.  The leaves vary greatly in shaped within the genus, but are usually opposite.  Where marginally hardy, grow against a warm, sunny wall.  In warmer climate, grow as specimens, in group plantings, or as a hedge or screen. Grow in moderately fertile, humus rich, well drained soil in full sun.  Shelter from strong winds. Prone to dieback, powdery mildew, aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, and whiteflies. L. floribunda – This native to Myanmar, Southern Thailand and Malay Peninsula, is a tree up to 40′ feet tall with gray barked trunk and rather open crown. The leaves are broad and somewhat glossy, The flowers resemble those of the better known L. speciosa, with each mauve-pink flower about 2″ across, in few flowered sprays. Zones 11-12