Lagerstroemia indica Cordon Bleu - Crape Myrtle

Invite the Lagerstroemia indica Cordon Bleu, also known as Indian Lilac or Summer Lilac, into your garden! This deciduous shrub is ultra-resistant and will captivate you with its compact habit and its breathtaking summer flowering in lavender blue.

The Summer Lilac Cordon Bleu belongs to the Lythraceae family. Contrary to what its name suggests, it is not native to India but to China and Japan. This variety resembles a bonsai in size as it does not exceed 1 metre height. It will be a charming centerpiece in your garden (as a standalone plant or in a flowering hedge) and will delight you with a daily show.

Starting from spring, this bush is adorned with dark green, oval-shaped, leathery leaves measuring 8 cm (3.1 in) in length, which turn bronze in autumn. In late summer, when few trees are flowering, it transforms itself into a sublime and intense display of pyramid-shaped inflorescences called thyrses, as delicate as crepe paper. In winter, it reveals a smooth bark marbled with mousy grey, cinnamon, and light pink, peeling off in flakes.

We have imagined a simple tricolour plant tapestry as a ground cover to enhance the Summer Lilac Cordon Bleu. A weave of candytuft, oregano, and thyme will dress the base of its trunk, highlight its bark, and reflect its magnificent flowering.

We advise you to plant this tree in spring, when frost is no longer a concern, in a sunny and sheltered location, in rich, moist, well-drained, preferably non-calcareous soil. It will appreciate added compost and a thick layer of dead leaves, especially during the first two winters in cold regions.

It is necessary to prune the flowering branches very short in February-March, leaving only 4 to 6 buds to balance its branches and stimulate the growth of future flower-bearing branches. If necessary, remove weak twigs and poorly positioned branches.

NB: Karl Von Linné named this tree to honour 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 mention that this tree produces fruits with narcotic effects if ingested.