Lagerstroemia speciosa commonly called Queens Crape Myrtle or Pride of India originated in India and southern Asia.
Queens Crape Myrtle is from the Lythraceae family and must not be confused with the shrub Queen of Flowers – Lagerstroemia indica – which is a small showy flowering shrub.
Queens Crape Myrtle is a beautiful medium size flowering tree that grows to a height of approximately 60 ft with thin leathery ovate leaves 3 – 6 inches long and clusters of large showy flowers with frilled petals. Each flower has 6 petals.
Prized for its long blooming period Queens Crape Myrtle comes in colours of mauve to purple and pink. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental specimen or street tree in tropical and subtropical countries. There are approximately 50 species. Queens Crape Myrtle is planted along Garnett Street Campbellville, Brickdam and Seawall Road. The Pink trees are very showy on Brickdam. However, they are in need of a good trimming, cleaning of bird vines and sealing. I must mention that Garnett Street has got some good looking specimens. Please note that the bark is thin and damages easily when trimming, so extra care must be taken.
Queens Crape Myrtle has been successfully grown in urban areas where poor drainage, air-pollution and compacted soil are common. In Guyana, we should be planting more of these beautiful trees. While it can be grown by seeds, small trees are available for sale.
Queens Crape Myrtle is also grown throughout the Caribbean and in Florida, where it is widely used in landscaping as a shade tree planted along driveways, parks and avenues. These trees create quite an impression when in bloom. The bright pink tree is quite eye catching too!
In India the wood is used for railroad ties and construction.
Until next week, Happy Gardening!
