Lagerstroemia indica Berry Dazzle - Crape Myrtle

The Lagerstroemia indica 'Berry Dazzle' is a Crepe Myrtle that is particularly interesting for its compact habit and its long-lasting, vibrant fuchsia pink flowering. Its foliage is also noteworthy; the young shoots are purple before turning to a dark green that enhances the flowering, and then the bush takes on a warm autumnal colouration ranging from yellow to red. When exposed to full sun, whether planted in the ground or in a container, this Lagerstroemia will fully express its potential in a rich, slightly moist, but well-drained soil or growing medium.

The Lagerstroemia indica is a member of the Lythraceae family, which includes about thirty genera that are quite unknown in our gardens, except for the small Cuphea in the Mediterranean region and the pomegranate (formerly classified in the Punicaceae family but now placed in the Lythraceae family). In nature, you can also find the common loosestrife, a beautiful flowering plant found near water. The woody species of Lythraceae are native to warm regions of the world, such as the Mediterranean or tropical areas. Lagerstroemias are native to tropical Asia, with the species L. indica originating from China and Japan. It is used as an ornamental plant in Southeast Asia, like in the Philippines, for example. It is generally a large bush, reaching a height of 5 or 6 meters (16 feet 5 inches or 19 feet 8 inches), developing on multiple axes. Nurseries also offer plants formed into trees with a single trunk.

The 'Berry Dazzle' variety was selected for its compact habit and its superb flowering. When fully grown, it forms a ball of about 1.20 meters (3 feet 11 inches) in diameter, particularly suitable for cultivation in containers on balconies or terraces. Its upright and dense branches see young leaves of bronze colour emerge in spring, which then turn into a glossy dark green during the growing season. In late June, a spectacular flowering appears in the form of abundant clusters of flowers ranging from pink to violet. This flowering lasts throughout the summer, making this bush a remarkable point of interest in the garden. In autumn, the foliage takes over with warm colours. Resistant to temperatures as low as -15°C and to pollution, it is an excellent plant for small urban gardens, as well as for terraces.

This small Lagerstroemia will be perfect in a decorative container or large pot. It will bring a burst of colour in summer, at a time when few shrubs are in bloom. Requiring regular watering during this season, it should, on the contrary, be kept relatively dry after the leaves fall, in a frost-free but cool location in colder regions. If you choose to plant it in the ground in the garden, it can be associated with other plants in varied flower beds, choosing blooms that span the season or contrasting foliage colours. In this case, choose golden plants like Physocarpus 'Dart's Gold', whose white spring flowers will precede the Lagerstroemia's flowering, the beautiful Cotinus 'Golden Lady', or the endearing Berberis 'Limoncello' with its original foliage, chartreuse green with a red border. You can also create a cluster of summer blooms. To have a wide range of colours, you can then associate it with roses, Hibiscus syriacus, or Hydrangeas.

The Crepe Myrtle is also known by other evocative and charming names: crepe myrtle, crepe myrtle, lagerose, curly Chinese myrtle, crepe paper flower. Karl Von Linné named this tree in honor of his friend Magnus Von Lagestroem (1696 - 1759), who had sent it to him from India for identification. Originally, this tree was used to decorate Chinese temples. We would like to point out that this tree produces fruits that have a narcotic effect if ingested.