Crape myrtle flowers actually have these other names too, did you know?

Alternative names

The crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a woody plant in the form of a small tree or deciduous shrub, and has alternative names such as "Hundred-Day Red", "Full House Red", "Mosquito Flower" and "Tickle Tree".

Morphological characteristics

The crape myrtle tree grows up to about 7 m tall, and the bark of the tree is gray or brown with a relatively smooth feel; most of the branches grow twisted, and the twigs are rather slender.

The leaves of the crape myrtle are obovate and (elliptic, broadly oblong) round papery leaves.

Crape myrtle flowers come in rich colors such as rose red, deep pink, bright red, purple and white; the flowers are about 3-4 cm in diameter, and the flowering period is usually in the flower-sparse autumn and lasts a long time, which is why it is also named "Hundred-Day Red".

Growth habits

The crape myrtle is suited to growing in a warm, humid, sunny environment, and can also accept a semi-shady environment.

Its growth requires sufficient fertilizer, and the planting soil is best a fertile, deep sandy soil; both acidic soil and calcareous soil are acceptable.

In terms of humidity, the crape myrtle is best planted in moist soil; it has a certain tolerance for dry environments, but fears waterlogging, so when planting in the ground one must not choose low-lying, damp spots with a high water table.

The crape myrtle also has a fairly strong resistance to pollution, and can to a certain extent resist pollution from sulfur dioxide, hydrogen fluoride and chlorine gas.

Value and uses

Ornamental value: the crape myrtle flower has long had the fine name "Hundred-Day Red", and the flowers, roots and trunks in bonsai made from it all have good ornamental value. Crape myrtles planted in courtyards, parks and along roads also have a good landscaping function.

Practical value: the trunk of the crape myrtle tree is hard in material and good in rot resistance, and can be used as timber for furniture, buildings and farm tools.

Medicinal value: after the leaves of the crape myrtle are used as medicine, they can dispel wind and dissipate stasis, and also have effects such as clearing heat and detoxifying, and stopping bleeding and reducing swelling.

Flower language

The crape myrtle flower represents "addictive love", and also has different symbolic meanings such as "good luck", "femininity" and "eloquence".