Indian crape myrtle: A resilient favourite for Canadian gardens
For years, the magnolia was considered the queen of spring gardens. However, today a different plant is increasingly appearing on the gardening podium, the Indian crape myrtle. Once considered difficult to grow in the cooler regions of Europe, it's now gaining popularity in Canadian gardens as well.
Blooming lasts up to 120 days
The crape myrtle is a long-flowering plant – its peak beauty lasts even four months, from the end of May until October. During this time, it produces dozens, or even hundreds of small flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, or violet.
Scientists from the Institute of Horticulture in Skierniewice identified the crape myrtle as one of the longest and most intensely flowering plants in the studied group. It maintained decorative qualities for an average of 118 days, which is more effective than the traditional magnolias that typically fade after 2-3 weeks.
A delight all year round
The crape myrtle isn't just noted for its long blooming period. The plant can grow up to about 2.4–3 metres tall, forming a wide, spherical crown, making it an excellent solitary tree, but also great for forming hedges. In the fall, its leaves turn gold and red, allowing it to delight almost all year round.
Contrary to stereotypes about exotic species, the crape myrtle does well in our climate. Under favourable conditions, it withstands temperature drops to -18°C. In areas with harsher winters, it can be successfully grown in large containers, which are moved to cool but bright rooms in the winter.
In studies conducted in 2023 by the University of Life Sciences in Wrocław, it was proven that the crape myrtle planted in urban conditions shows high resistance to air pollution and urban droughts.
Care doesn't have to be difficult
Although the plant looks exotic, growing it is not difficult at all. The key is a sunny, warm, and sheltered location, preferably with light, well-drained soil. The crape myrtle doesn't like to be waterlogged – it’s important to ensure its roots aren’t standing in water, especially in the fall and winter. Watering once every 10–12 days is usually sufficient.
Another element is fertilization: from spring to mid-summer – fertilizers rich in nitrogen, and later – phosphorus-potassium to prepare the plant for winter. Pruning is done in early spring to stimulate the growth of new shoots and abundant flowering.
A special purpose plant
The Indian crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is increasingly being featured not only in private gardens but also in public spaces – city squares, parks, and even alongside shopping centres. Its resistance to diseases, attractiveness to pollinators, and long period of decorativeness make it a versatile plant.
Additionally, as shown by the 2023 European Horticultural Society report, the presence of the crape myrtle in urban areas can lower the surrounding temperature by 0.5–1.5°C thanks to its large leaf surface and long growing season. This makes it not only a beautiful plant but also beneficial in combating urban "heat islands".
