Lagvap
WithdrawnLagerstroemia indica L. · Crape myrtle
Valérie Pouillart
Variety traits
Cold hardiness — Lagerstroemia indica
Lagerstroemia indica L.
Lagerstroemia indica is adapted to USDA hardiness zones 7–9, tolerating brief frosts down to -17°C. If the above-ground part is damaged, the plant is capable of regrowing from the roots at temperatures as low as -23°C (zone 5).
In the reference 9 varieties crop Crape myrtle, where this is mentioned in the description.
Survival for this species is characteristically dependent on the degree of shoot lignification, which is influenced by the timing of irrigation and fertilizer application at the end of the season. Breeding hybrids with Lagerstroemia fauriei (L. indica × L. fauriei) demonstrate increased resistance, growing successfully in zone 6 and potentially in zone 5 with protection.
A critically important factor for preparing the plant for the winter period is the occurrence of a hot summer, which promotes tissue hardening. A lack of intense heat during the growing season reduces the crop's ability to withstand low temperatures. At the northern limits of its range, root system mulching and trunk covering are employed.
General information about the subject — on the page Frost hardiness.
Varieties of Crape myrtle mentioned in the description
Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.