Indian lagerstroemia, a plant with roots in Asia, is becoming more popular in Polish gardens. This plant is a real showstopper, blooming for about 120 days a year, from spring to late autumn, and attracting the eye with its colorful flowers. Even though it originally comes from Asia, Indian lagerstroemia is perfectly at home in Poland’s climate, and it’s easy to grow, even for beginners.
Blooming Beauty in Polish Gardens
Indian lagerstroemia is becoming more and more popular in Polish gardens. It blooms for up to 120 days a year, attracting the eye with its colorful flowers. It’s also frost-resistant up to -18 degrees Celsius. To grow well, the plant requires a sunny and sheltered spot where it won’t get blown about by the wind. Water it regularly, feed it with fertilizer, and prune it when necessary.
The “Lilac of the South”
The Indian Lagerstroemia (Lagerstroemia indica L.), often called the “lilac of the south,” is an ornamental shrub or tree in the quackgrass family. In its natural habitat, which includes areas of Asian countries like China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, the plant can grow up to 6-8 meters tall. The varieties grown in Poland are smaller but still pretty impressive, reaching up to 3 meters in height.
Stunning Features
Indian lagerstroemia is a great addition to any garden. It has small, oval leaves in a deep green and a wide, spherical crown. But its best feature is the flowers, which open after sunset and bloom for up to 120 days a year. The flowers of Indian lagerstroemia are typically pink or purple, but you’ll also find red and white varieties.
Low Expectations for the “Lilac of the South”
Indian lagerstroemia is a perennial plant that can handle frost (down to -18 degrees Celsius). It’s not difficult to cultivate, but there are a few conditions to keep in mind. This plant needs to be in a sunny spot that’s warm and protected from the wind. The soil should be rich, humus-based, and able to drain well. Lagerstroemia doesn’t like to be soggy, especially in the fall and winter.
Care and Maintenance
Once you’ve planted it, water regularly (about every 1.5 weeks) and fertilize with nitrogen from April to mid-July and phosphorus and potassium from August to October. Pruning the Indian lagerstroemia from time to time encourages it to produce new flowers.
With its stunning blooms and ease of care, Indian lagerstroemia is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a touch of exotic beauty to their garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this plant will reward you with its long-lasting flowers and vibrant colors.
