Lagerstroemia Early Bird Purple ('Jd827') (Early Bird Series)
crape myrtle [Early Bird Purple]
A fast-growing, spreading and weeping deciduous shrub to a height of around 1.8m, with dark green foliage turning golden yellow in autumn. Bright purple flowers with crinkled petals are produced in large, terminal clusters in summer. Brown and grey peeling bark offers more interest throughout the year. Particularly suitable for smaller gardens
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Lythraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Pendulous weeping, Spreading branched
- Genus
Lagerstroemia can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with simple leaves and conical panicles of flowers with ruffled petals; some have attractive peeling bark
- Name status
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, acid to neutral, well-drained soil in full sun. Hot summers are needed for best flowering
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring, or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 1, but will tolerate hard pruning if needed
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly if grown indoors
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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