Lagerstroemia speciosa aka Queen's Crape Myrtle

Taxonomy

Lagerstroemia speciosa, also known as giant crepe-myrtle, Queen's crepe-myrtle, banabá plant, pride of India, Queen's Flower, or Jarul, is a fast-growing, medium-sized, deciduous tree native to tropical southern Asia. It can grow up to 26 meters tall and has an upright, round crown. The bole is around 60cm in diameter, and the tree produces suckers. The timber of Lagerstroemia speciosa is next only to teak in its strength and is often traded. The tree is also harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. The tree is one of the most strikingly showy of flowering trees, with large terminal conical panicles of brightly colored mauve or pink flowers with crinkled petals. These flowers can last for many months and are often compared to delicate crape paper. The tree is also a good shade tree and is commonly cultivated in gardens or along the sides of roads. The leaves of Lagerstroemia speciosa are 12 inches long, dark green, oblong, and leathery. They turn attractively red before falling in winter. The name "Queen's Flower" is derived from the specific epithet 'reginae' or 'flosreginae', meaning "imperial or flower of the queen." This is fitting, as the tree bears beautiful, attractive flowers in profusion in purple, lilac, or pinkish-violet colors. It is also called Queen Crape myrtle due to its resemblance to delicate crape paper.

Common names

Queen's Crape Myrtle, Pride Of India, Queen's Flower

How to care for Queen's Crape Myrtle

Difficulty

Queen's Crape Myrtle requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Queen's Crape Myrtle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Queen's Crape Myrtle loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Queen's Crape Myrtle requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Queen's Crape Myrtle will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Queen's Crape Myrtle is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.


More info:
Wikipedia