Lagerstroemia indica Enduring Pink - Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica 'Enduring Pink' is a relatively compact Indian Lilac. Its magnificent pink flowering is both early and long-lasting, as this variety blooms throughout the summer. This is its main advantage because few shrubs can compete with it during this time of year. In winter, it is also appreciated for its beautiful smooth bark, which is shiny in the rain. The bark peels off in coloured patches. When exposed to full sun, in open ground or in a pot, this Lagerstroemia will express its full potential in rich, fresh, and well-drained soil or growing substrate.

Lagerstroemia indica is a member of the Lythraceae family, which includes about thirty genera that are relatively unknown in our gardens. The woody species of Lythraceae are native to warm areas of the globe, such as the Mediterranean or the tropics. Lagerstroemias are native to tropical Asia, with the L. indica species originating from China and Japan, where it is used as an ornamental plant in Southeast Asia, such as in the Philippines. It is generally a large shrub, 5 m or 6 m (16.4 ft to 19.7 ft) high, developing on multiple axes, with nurseries also offering tree-shaped plants with a single trunk.

The 'Enduring Pink' variety is a recent creation that is part of a selected series for its compact habit ('Enduring Red', 'Enduring White', etc.). When fully grown, it reaches a height of 1.5 m to 1.8 m (4.9 ft to 5.9 ft) and a width of 1.5 m (4.9 ft). An annual pruning in late winter (March) allows the shrub to be regularly rejuvenated and shaped, and to control its growth if it is planted in a pot. This Lagerstroemia captures attention during its flowering, which starts in early summer and continues throughout the season. It is a magnificent spectacle with its explosion of pink flowers grouped in large clusters at the ends of the branches. After the leaves fall, the smooth and highly decorative peeling bark becomes a new attraction, especially in rainy weather when it is well highlighted.

Resistant to pollution and hardy to approximately -15° C (5° F), it is an excellent plant for small urban gardens and terraces.

Lagerstroemia 'Enduring Pink' will be perfect in a decorative pot or large container. It will provide a mass of colour in summer. Requiring regular watering during the summer, it should be kept relatively dry after the leaves fall, in a frost-free but cool location in cold regions. If you choose to plant it in the ground in your garden, it can be planted with other plants in diverse flower beds, either by selecting flowers that bloom throughout the season or by creating a cluster of summer blooms. To benefit from a wide choice of colours, you can also plant it with roses, Hibiscus syriacus, or Hydrangeas.

The Indian Lilac is also known by other evocative and charming names: crepe myrtle, lagerose, curly Chinese myrtle, crepe paper flower. Karl Von Linne named this tree to pay tribute to 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.