Originating in Eastern Asia, Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) can be found in areas including parts of China, Korea and Japan. Named by the famous botanist and forefather of botanical nomenclature Carl Linnaeus, Lagerstroemia indica was given to him by the merchant Magnus Von Lagerström in the 1700’s.
This small to medium deciduous tree forms a lovely rounded vase shape. In late summer, the Crepe Myrtle bears trusses of very attractive, bee-attracting crepe-like flowers, originally pink but now also available in variations of pinks, whites and mauves.
In recent times, several ranges of new Crepe Myrtles have been developed. The new varieties are more disease-resistant and can be used in even more applications within the landscape. The Indian Summer range includes trees ranging in size from small to medium with weeping and more upright forms available. It also offers a great variety of flower colours, ranging from white to pinks, to lavender and almost reds.
Hardy in most parts of Australia, Crepe Myrtles prefer a full sun position, in a well drained soil. In severe frost areas they may require a sheltered position. Once established they are also quite drought tolerant.
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