What are the growth habits of the crape myrtle flower?

Other names

The crape myrtle is a woody plant of the small tree or deciduous shrub type, and has other names such as "Hundred-Day Red", "Hall-Full Red", "Mosquito Flower" and "Itch Tree".

Morphological characteristics

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

The leaves of the crape myrtle are papery, 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 flowers are about 3-4 cm in diameter, and the blooming period is usually in the flower-sparse autumn and lasts a long time, which is why it is also called "Hundred-Day Red".

Growth habits

The crape myrtle is suited to growing in a warm, humid, sunny environment, and can also tolerate a semi-shaded 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 moisture, the crape myrtle is best planted in moist soil and has a certain tolerance for dry environments, but it fears waterlogging, so when planting it in the ground one must not choose low, wet 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, among others.

Value and uses

Ornamental value: The crape myrtle flower has long enjoyed the fine name "Hundred-Day Red", and the flowers, roots and trunks of the 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 and has good rot resistance, and can be used as timber for furniture, buildings and farm tools.

Medicinal value: After being used as medicine, the leaves of the crape myrtle can dispel wind and disperse blood stasis, and also have effects such as clearing heat and detoxifying, and stopping bleeding and reducing swelling.

Flower language

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