Lagerstroemia subcostata aka Lagerstroemia Subcostata

Lagerstroemia subcostata belongs to the Lythraceae family. It is deciduous, which means it sheds its leaves. Its native range spans southern China and temperate East Asia. Kew places it in a subtropical climate range. It grows as an upright shrub or a tree with several stems. This gives gardeners more than one form to work with. It sheds its leaves rather than keeping them through winter.

In gardens, it grows about 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres] tall. Its full spread is about 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. The RHS says it takes 20–50 years to reach full size. Grey bark peels off and shows brown patches beneath. This gives it appeal when it has no flowers. In autumn, its leaves turn shades of orange and red. These changes give it traits that stand out at different times of year.

Small groups of flowers bloom in summer. The blooms may be white, pink, or pale purple. They add summer colour to its upright, woody form. The RHS suggests it for city and courtyard gardens. It also lists it for sites where plant shape matters. Its bark, blooms, and autumn leaves each add to its appeal. The supplied species evidence does not describe its fruit. It gives no basis to judge whether any part is safe to eat or toxic.

Grow it in full sun in a sheltered spot. The RHS favours a site that faces south or west. Use soil with a fair level of nutrients. It should stay moist but let excess water drain away. The listed soil types include clay, loam, and sand. Soil should have no lime and an acid or neutral pH. Both moisture and drainage matter when choosing where to plant. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H5. This covers winter lows of about −15 to −10°C.

The RHS lists this plant as one that needs little care. It can cope with hard pruning, but does not need it. Growers can raise new plants from seed or cuttings. The listed methods include both softwood and semi-ripe cuttings. Plants grown indoors may suffer from glasshouse red spider mite. Glasshouse whitefly may also attack plants grown indoors. Honey fungus can occur, but the RHS says it is rare. These pests and diseases are risks, not things every plant will face.