Plant of the Month Crepe Myrtle - Lagerstroemia
Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia) is a stunning exotic plant native to Southeast Asia, and it's quickly becoming a popular choice for gardens across Australia. Known for its striking, crinkled flowers and vibrant range of colours, this plant is as beautiful as it is beneficial—especially for our native bees. There are several varieties of Crepe Myrtle, each with its own unique characteristics, from varying heights to different flower colours. Whether you're looking to add a splash of colour to your garden or create a bee-friendly haven, Crepe Myrtle is a versatile option.
One of the standout features of Crepe Myrtle is its ability to produce an abundance of pollen, making it a fantastic source of nutrition for bees during the warmer months. It flowers in Summer and Autumn.
Crepe Myrtle comes in a wide range of varieties, each suited to different garden sizes and needs. Some are compact and shrubby, perfect for smaller urban spaces, while others can grow into large trees that may need more room to stretch out. Smaller varieties, such as Lagerstroemia indica, can easily be kept to a manageable shrub size, making them an excellent choice for urban bee forage plants. However, it’s important to choose the right variety for your garden, as some Crepe Myrtles can grow quite tall—up to 6 metres in some cases—and may become too large for smaller yards.
Another consideration is the growth habit of some Crepe Myrtle varieties. While some varieties remain bushy and contained, others can sucker—sending out shoots from the base of the plant, which may create a spreading problem. If you're planning to grow Crepe Myrtle in a confined space or near other plants, it’s essential to select a variety that is less prone to sucker growth to avoid overcrowding in your garden.
Crepe Myrtles are relatively low-maintenance, but regular care will help keep them looking their best. One of the most important tasks is pruning. Since Crepe Myrtles are deciduous, they shed their leaves in winter, making it the perfect time to prune and shape the plant. Pruning in winter helps to maintain a manageable size and encourages stronger growth come spring. Remove any dead or damaged wood, and cut back any branches that have outgrown their space. This not only keeps your Crepe Myrtle looking tidy but also ensures that it doesn’t become too sprawling or unmanageable.
From deep purples and pinks to soft whites and reds, you can easily find a variety that complements your garden’s colour scheme. The flowers themselves are crinkled and paper-like, adding a unique texture to your garden.
