Lagerstroemia indica 'Rosea'
crape myrtle 'Rosea'
An upright, deciduous shrub or small, multi-stemmed tree to 4m tall, with peeling, grey and brown bark and glossy, dark green leaves, bronze-flushed when young. The foliage takes on red and orange autumn colour. In late summer, if the weather has been hot, it produces pink flowers with crinkled petals, held in conical clusters to 20cm long. Grown against a sunny, sheltered wall and protected from frost when young it will make a stunning specimen plant in mild districts
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Bronze | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Orange Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Lythraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, with the protection of a warm wall. In cold regions grow under glass, in loam-based potting compost in full light. Water freely during the growing season and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 6-8 weeks; water sparingly at other times
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Wall side borders
Pruning
See pruning group 1; will withstand hard pruning
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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