Lagerstroemia indica Grand Cru - Crape Myrtle

The Lagerstroemia indica 'Grand Cru' is a late flowering Indian Lilac with spectacular large panicles of blood red to coral red flowers. Its deciduous foliage, tinged with red in spring, becomes glossy green in summer and then turns orange-red in autumn. This very vigorous bush can quickly become a small tree if patiently and meticulously pruned. Thirsty for sun and heat, this variety will thrive best in southern regions. With multiple advantages, Indian Lilacs are among the most beautiful summer flowering bushes. As such, they deserve a special place in the garden or on the terrace. The 'Grand Cru' cultivar is particularly resistant to powdery mildew.

The Lagerstroemia indica 'Grand Cru' belongs to the Lythraceae family. The Lagerstroemia indica, from which it originates, is native to China. 'Grand Cru' was selected in 2003 at the Demartis nursery in Dordogne, where it is also sometimes called the "Lilac of the Harvest". This very vigorous bush will reach a height of 3 to 5m (10 to 16ft) at maturity, with a diameter of approximately 3m (10ft). Its growth is quite rapid. Its flowering generally begins in August and continues until October. The flowers are characterised by thin pedicels, each carrying five undulate-edged petals that make up this flower. The flowers, with a texture reminiscent of crepe paper, are gathered in large, dense panicles at the ends of the current year's branches. In 'Grand Cru', the flowering is scarlet red to coral red. The foliage, tough and deciduous, emerges red and becomes shiny dark green. It consists of small ovate leaves, which take on beautiful orange-red hues in autumn, depending on the climate. Finally, and to finish in beauty, its bark is stunning, smooth, beige with brown-red stripes, peeling off in coloured patches (cinnamon, faded red, old rose, cream).

The 'Grand Cru' cultivar will express its full potential in regions with a temperate oceanic climate and a south-facing exposure. It will stand out when planted near the house, allowing you to fully enjoy its generosity. It will make a good impression in a shrub border, a flowering hedge, or emerging from a mound of perennials. Create a border like a bouquet, with Campanula pyramidalis, Salvia sclarea, Aster laevis. In autumn, it accompanies the asters, as colourful as itself. In a large pot on the terrace, it puts on a show while summer flowering fades. You could plant a weaving of thymes, oreganos, and silver baskets to dress the base of its trunk, highlight its bark, and reflect its sparkling flowering.

NB: Carl Linnaeus named this tree to honor 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 with a narcotic effect if ingested.