Arkansas Tree Database

Scientific name:

Lagerstroemia Indica

Size:

small shrub to small tree (3'-40' tall)

Leaves:

opposite or the upper leaves alternate, simple, 1"-2.75" long, with smooth margins

Flowers:

exceptional summer-flowering plant; colors vary from white to pink to purple to red

Fruit:

woody capsule; not showy and somewhat messy

Fall Interest:

nice flame colors on some cultivars; deciduous

Culture:

sun; well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; best in zones 7 and 8

Disease/Insect:

powdery mildew, leaf spot, crape myrtle bark scale

Use:

specimen summer-flowering shrub or tree

Cultivars:

many for size and flower color

Notes:

bark exceptional on some cultivars ('Natchez,' 'Biloxi'); native to Asia