Lagerstromia indica - Plant

Lagerstroemia indica is a species in the genus Lagerstroemia in the family Lythraceae. From China, Korea, Japan and Indian Subcontinent Lagerstroemia indica is an often multi-stemmed, deciduous tree

Common name: crape myrtle
Color: Creamy red
Bloom time: July to September
Height: 5.00 to 20.00 feet
Difficulty level: easy to grow

Planting & Care
Although the pride of India will grow throughout South Africa, it thrives in the warmer regions of the country. In humid regions it is susceptible to powdery mildew, but newer cultivars are more resistant. It is moderately tolerant of salty coastal winds, but does best in a sheltered position. Once established it is hardy to severe frost;

Sunlight: Full Sun

Soil: well-drained soil

Water: medium

Temprature: -30 degrees

Fertilizer: Apply any organic fertilizer

Care:

• For this reason, many gardeners opt to remove completely any dead wood or branches which are in the way, rather than just clipping the top of the tree.
• Flower stalks however, can be pruned out lightly after the first flush of flowers to encourage a second flush.

Special Feature:
Good as a specimen shrub or in groups. Shrub borders or perennial borders. In the South where above ground winter hardiness is not a problem, plants can also be effectively planted as screens, informal hedges or trained as single trunk trees for use both in the landscape or as a street tree.
Use
Culinary use:

• leaves

Ornamental use:

• The plant is used for ornamental purpose.

Note:
Two main disease problems of crape myrtles are fungal leaf spot and powdery mildew. Foliage may yellow (chlorosis) in alkaline soils. Some susceptibility to aphids and scale.

Reference:
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=v990 http://www.gardeninginsouthafrica.co.za/bedding-plants/1251-february/pride-of-india-crepe-myrtle-trots-van-indie-lagerstroemia-indica