What are the characteristics of crape myrtle flowers? A complete guide in one article

Alternative names

Crape myrtle is a woody plant of the genus Lagerstroemia, either a small tree or a deciduous shrub, and has alternative names such as "Hundred-Day Red", "Man Tang Hong", "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 branches grow twisted, and the twigs are rather slender.

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

Crape myrtle flowers come in rich colors such as rose red, deep pink, bright red, purple and white; the diameter of the flowers is about 3-4 cm, 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

Crape myrtle is suitable for growing in a warm, humid, sunny environment, and can also accept semi-shaded conditions.

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 moisture, crape myrtle is best planted in moist soil and has a certain adaptability to dry environments, but it fears waterlogging damage, so when planting in the ground, a low-lying, wet spot with a high groundwater level must not be chosen.

Crape myrtle also has a relatively 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: Crape myrtle flowers have 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 myrtle planted in courtyards, parks and along roads also has a good greening function.

Use 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 crape myrtle are used as medicine, they can dispel wind and dissipate blood stasis, and also have effects such as clearing heat and detoxifying, and stopping bleeding and reducing swelling.

Flower language

Crape myrtle flowers represent "obsessive love", and also have different symbolic meanings such as "good luck", "women" and "eloquence".