Lagerstroemia indica Rhapsody in Pink - Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica 'Rhapsody in Pink' is a fairly recent and truly delightful variety of Indian Lilac. Not very tall but robust and resistant to powdery mildew, this bush, which can become a small tree, produces wonderful clusters of frothy flowers in a soft and bright pink colour, among young leaves coloured purple to burgundy, until late summer. The Summer Lilacs are also appreciated for their smooth bark, often richly coloured and their beautiful autumn colours. These bushes like warmth but appreciate some coolness at their feet in summer to support their flowering. This one, easy to grow in many regions, will make a sensation as a standalone plant in a small garden or in a large pot on the terrace.

The Lagerstroemia indica Rhapsody in Pink, discovered in a garden in Oklahoma, USA, is a flowering plant that requires less sun and is resistant to powdery mildew. 

Rhapsody in Pink belongs to the lythraceae family, just like the Lagerstroemia indica originating in China, from which it is derived. This plant has a bushy habit from the base, with a rounded, slightly spreading crown. It will reach an average height of 2m (6ft 7in) at maturity, with a diameter of 1m (3ft 4in). Its growth is quite fast. It usually starts flowering in August and continues until September-October, depending on the climate. The inflorescences, in branched clusters, are composed of numerous small flowers borne by fine pedicels. Each flower has five petals with a very undulate edge, whose texture is reminiscent of crepe. They are gathered in large, dense panicles at the ends of the current year's branches.

In Rhapsody in Pink, the peduncles, pedicels and flower buds are almost mahogany and shiny, then they bloom widely in pale pink flowers that fade almost to white before withering. The deciduous and leathery leaves, develop throughout the season, with young purple leaves accompanying the pink flowering. Mature leaves are shiny dark green and often take on pretty orange or coppery hues in autumn, more intense in cool climates. Finally, its bark is truly beautiful, smooth, striped beige with grey, reddish-brown, and peeling off in coloured patches (cinnamon, muted red, old rose, cream).

It is as a standalone plant, near the house, that you can fully enjoy its generosity. It will look good in a shrub border, a flowering hedge, or emerging from a mound of perennials. Create a border like a bouquet, with Nepeta, Salvia sclarea or jamensis, Aster laevis. In autumn, it accompanies the smoke bushes and deciduous euonymus, as colourful as it is. In a large pot on the terrace, it puts on a show while summer blooms fade. We can imagine a simple vegetative tapestry as a ground cover to highlight the 'Rhapsody in Pink' Lilac: a weaving of thymes (Thymus hirsutus, longicaulis, nitens), oregano, and silver baskets will dress the base of its trunk, emphasize the beauty of its bark and reflect its beautiful flowering.

Note: We would like to point out that this tree produces fruits with narcotic effects if ingested. 

The creation of varieties in Indian Lilacs has long been a French specialty, with the two main hybridizers being located in Périgord and Quercy. Other enthusiasts have embarked on the adventure, like Christian Gaurrat and Antoine Scrive in the Landes.