How to Care for Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle)

Korean name: 배롱나무

This deciduous shrub or small tree has glossy oval leaves and clusters of bright pink to red flowers blooming from summer to autumn. It sheds its bark in thin, smooth layers and thrives in full sunlight with well-drained soil. Relatively easy to care for, it is popular as a garden ornamental.

Key facts

• Category: Garden tree & shrub
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Where to keep: outdoors
• Native to: Korea, China, India
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Pets: No known toxicity, so it is fine to keep around pets.
• Flower meaning: integrity, passion
• Traits: flowering tree, cold hardy, sun loving, medium difficulty
• Also known as: Crape Myrtle, Common Lagerstroemia

Care Guide

• Light: Requires well-ventilated area with full sun.
• Watering: Water thoroughly when the soil becomes dry.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining, fertile soil.
• Humidity: Grows well under normal indoor humidity.
• Temperature: 18~35°C
• Fertilizer: Apply slow-release fertilizer in early spring and summer.

Common questions

How often should you water Lagerstroemia indica?

Water thoroughly when the soil becomes dry. Roughly every 7 days is the baseline; adjust for the season and the spot it sits in.

Where should you keep Lagerstroemia indica?

It likes Requires well-ventilated area with full sun.. You can grow it outdoors. Use Prefers well-draining, fertile soil..

Is Lagerstroemia indica safe around pets?

No known toxicity, so it is fine to keep around pets.

Is Lagerstroemia indica good for beginners?

Difficulty: Moderate. Keep it around 18~35°C. Humidity: Grows well under normal indoor humidity.. Fertilise Apply slow-release fertilizer in early spring and summer..