LifestyleIndian crape myrtle: A stunning, hardy alternative to hydrangeas

Indian crape myrtle: A stunning, hardy alternative to hydrangeas

This is what Lagerstroemia indica looks like
This is what Lagerstroemia indica looks like
Images source: © Adobe Stock

6 June 2024 11:19

Are you looking for a showy plant of considerable size that is easy to maintain and will beautify your garden for many months? We have the perfect candidate, a great alternative to the more popular hydrangea.

Tending to a garden can be a genuine hobby for many people and can have therapeutic benefits. If we dream of a well-kept, harmonious space that will delight us with its colours, we must carefully examine various species of flowers and shrubs.

An increasingly popular plant that fascinates with its colourful "fluffy" flowers and its size is the Indian crape myrtle. In Canadian conditions, it can grow up to 3 meters! Additionally, it will delight our eyes with beautiful inflorescences for up to 4 months of the year. What else characterizes the Indian crape myrtle?

Garden gem. It will make a splash in the garden

The Indian crape myrtle is an ornamental tree from Asia. It always attracts attention thanks to its undeniable aesthetic values. Its extraordinary flowers only open in the evenings after sunset. They most often appear in shades of pink or purple.

Although the Indian crape myrtle comes to us from another continent, it adapts well to Canadian conditions. How can it grow beautiful and healthy? First, let's make sure to plant it in a sunny spot. The more light this plant has, the more abundant its flowering will be.

It is remembering that the crape myrtle likes fertile, slightly acidic, and well-drained soil. Poorer soil will require good drainage. A considerable advantage of this tree is its frost resistance.

Caring for the Indian crape myrtle. There is one "catch"

We must also remember proper watering. The Indian crape myrtle requires regular watering. The soil under this plant should always be moist but not excessively wet.

It is also worth ensuring fertilization provides all the nutrients in the spring-summer season. Let's also learn how to prune it correctly - this will keep the plant in shape.

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