Lagerstroemia Indica Infinitini Watermelon Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia Indica Watermelon is a deciduous dwarf crape myrtle with watermelon coloured flowers. It’s a versatile, low-growing plant that loves full sun in a sheltered spot. 

Lagerstroemia Indica, better known as Crape or Crepe Myrtle, are native to the Indian subcontinent, southeast Asia and northern Australia. They were brought to Europe by a Swedish merchant called Magnus von Lagerstrom hence their botanical name Lagerstroemia and Indica for India. 

The cultivar Watermelon is from the Infinitini series of Crape Myrtles bred in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania for its dwarf compact size and stunning bright flower colour. Crape Myrtles can grow tall, so this small version is a good bet for compact gardens and balconies where space is restricted. It has typical crape myrtle leaves that are green throughout spring and summer before turning orangey-red for autumn and falling to reveal grey cinnamon colour bark, but it’s the ruffled, stunning flowers that people love most. Crape Myrtle Watermelon is a pretty mix of red, orange, and pink tones that resemble watermelon flesh. It blooms throughout the summer creating a burst of exotic long-lasting colour in all types of gardens. It’s a good bet for those of us that love dramatic colour schemes and have a sunny outdoor space.

Height And Spread of  Lagerstroemia Indica Watermelon
Lagerstroemia Indica Infinitini Watermelon is a dwarf shrub that’ll reach 1 – 1.5 metres in height and spread.

How Hardy Is Lagerstroemia Indica Watermelon
Crape Myrtle Watermelon can withstand UK winters if its roots are well-drained and it’s planted in a sunny spot, preferably a south-facing wall that’s sheltered from harsh wind.

How To Use Lagerstroemia Indica Watermelon
Crape Myrtle Watermelon is a stunning small ornamental specimen shrub or tree in a hot border or front garden where it can soak up lots of heat. Crape Myrtles have a reputation for being difficult, but given full sun and shelter they grow strongly in the UK.
Its small size means it’s a perfect plant for container life on a deck, patio or sunny hot balcony and once its long-lasting tropical style flowers are done, its ornamental autumnal leaves extend the show until it gets frosty.

This is a good choice for southern areas of the UK and hot south-facing gardens. If you love rich vibrant colour Infinitini Watermelon is a sure-fire hit.

How To Care for Lagerstroemia Indica Watermelon
Crape Myrtle Watermelon needs full sun and a sheltered spot to flower well. It’s best placed near a sunny, south-facing wall or fence line with plenty of shelter from the prevailing winds.
It’ll cope with the majority of well-drained soils, but for the best flower show add a thick layer of organic mulch to the roots in early spring.
You don’t need to prune this small crape myrtle, but if you want to restrict its size or remove crossed branches do it in early spring before foliage appears.

You’ll find lots more information on our crape myrtle blog.