Lagerstroemia indica L. 1759, commonly called Crape Myrtle or Crepe Myrtle, is a deciduous, tropical flowering tree native to China, Korea and Japan.

Crape Myrtle trees grow up to a height of about 6 meters, with a spread of 6 meters as well. Due to its attractive flowers and due to the tree is one of the longest blooming trees, Crape Myrtle trees are often cultivated as avenue trees. Some gardening websites describe the flowers as fragrant, unfortunatly we couldn`t smell the slightest scent. Like other Lagerstroemias, Lagerstroemia indica requires full sun, but is also considered as invasive. Crape Myrtles has been widely used for hybridisation and are available with white, pink, red or purple flowers, which are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. The tree should be pruned regularly. Flowering period: late Spring - Autumn.

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Image: Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)