These evergreen trees usually grow in woodlands, often near rivers, in warm-temperate and tropical regions from Asia to Australia.
L. indica is an upright, deciduous tree with peeling, grey and brown bark and small dark-green, opposite leaves to 8cm. Each plant has separate male and female flowers; vast numbers appear in Summer clothing the tree in white, pink, red or purple depending on the variety.
In summer plants need to be placed outside in a sunny position, although the sunny position indoor will be suitable too. Lagerstromia need to be brought indoors from October to May because the temperature can drop below 2-3°C at night. During winter place it in a partially heated room. Ensure good humidity are provided by use of a gravel tray.
FEEDING: Feed fortnightly from Spring to Autumn, do not feed during the winter when dormant.
REPOTTING: Annually in Spring as new growth commences in a basic soil mix.
PRUNING: Wait until new shoots have extended and then cut back to one or two pairs of leaves in late Spring. Do not prune again until Autumn as flower buds are formed on growth that develops from early Summer onwards. Plants produce many upward growing shoots that need wiring down to produce branch structure, wiring is very easily carried out until branches reach 3 to 4 years of age at which point they become very brittle and snap easily.
PROPAGATION: Sow seed at 10-13°C in Spring. Root softwood cuttings in late Spring or semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in Summer.
PEST AND DISEASES: Mealy bugs, red spider mites and whiteflies can be a problem on indoor trees.
STYLING: Informal upright forms, cascade forms in medium to extra-large sizes.
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