Lagerstroemia Indica Rhapsody In Pink Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia Indica Rhapsody In Pink is a new variety of deciduous pink crape myrtle bred for hardiness and leaf colour. It’s a good choice for mid to late summer colour. Crape Myrtle gets its name from its petals which are crinkled like crape paper. They were introduced to the UK from the Far East centuries ago, but early varieties struggled with the climate. New varieties like Crape Myrtle Rhapsody In Pink are tougher and more suited to our conditions.

The crinkly flowers appear in July from crimson buds and open into 20 cm panicles flushed in shades from palest baby pink to carmine. The foliage is oblong and dark green with leaves measuring up to 8 cms that are bronzed when young. In winter the peeling grey-brown bark is very attractive.

Height and Spread of Lagerstroemia Indica Rhapsody In Pink
Crape Myrtle Rhapsody In Pink will reach a maximum height of 2.5 metres and spread over 1.2. Prune in late winter to keep the framework smaller if needed.

How Hardy Is Lagerstroemia Indica Rhapsody In Pink
Crape Myrtle Rhapsody In Pink is hardy down to -10 but needs a sunny spot to flower well. Protect young plants from harsh frost. It is relatively pest and disease-free.

How To Use Lagerstroemia Indica Rhapsody In Pink
As an upright tall shrub or small tree Crape Myrtle Rhapsody In Pink brings a glorious splash of colour to a summer garden whether it’s in a sunny mixed border with other crape myrtle varieties or a specimen in the lawn.

It makes a magnificent front garden tree and attracts pollinators to wildlife spaces. You can grow crape myrtle in a large well-watered and fed tub on the patio too

In autumn the long dark foliage turns shades of orange and falls with frost to reveal peeling bark. Rhapsody in Pink is an attractive year-round tree or shrub for all size gardens that have a sunny spot.

How To Care For Lagerstroemia Indica Rhapsody In Pink
Crape Myrtle Rhapsody In Pink is specifically bred to cope with our climate but it will need sun to flower well. Plant yours against a sunny wall or fence that’s free from freezing winds for best effect.

Crape myrtle likes well-drained fertile soil of any pH or type and there’s no need to prune unless you want to restrict its size. You can cut back crossed or dead branches in late winter or early spring, and reduce the stems by a third.

Mulch well in early spring and water in dry spells for a truly magnificent display of frilly pink blooms in summer.