Lagerstroemia 'HOPI' crepe myrtle
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
1-2m
usual width
1-1,5m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
July-August
location
full sun
USDA zone (lowest)
7 (down to -23°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Lagerstroemia
Crepe myrtle is a flowering shrub or small tree from China. It was first introduced to the USA and the UK in the 18th century. The original plant lagerstroemia indica is too tender and not too pretty so breeders were working on further hybridization and the most attractive varieties available now are believed to be results of crossing with l.speciosa and l.fauriei. Far more important news for us is the fact that among those finished plants were selected others that survived lower temperatures than what was common in the areas of natural habitat so we have a few myrtles that can grow even in our climate. Some were selections, other further hybridsDescription of the plant:
Hopi is a crepe myrtle hybrid variety suitable for zone 6 and higher. It produces rich panicles of bright pink flowers earliest of all known hardy varieties so far introduced – it begins blooming in late July or early August. Deciduous leaves are 3-4 cm long, elliptic to obovate, very glossy, olive green in summer, turning red, purple, and orange in autumn. Crepe myrtle needs little care. They need full sun with zero shade during the day. Pruning is important in colder zones and will secure flowering: cut back last year's growth to about a third of its original size. Do so in spring after danger of frosts. The plant will make strong news shoots that will bear flowers. Grow it in well-drained soil that should be kept moist before it gets fully established. If cultivated in acid soil the plant will make fabulous colour play of autumn foliage. Crepe myrtle needs heavy mulching in winter and some mulch in summer to retain moisture. Fertilize in spring to encourage growth (nitrogen-based fertilizers), and in summer to encourage flowering (phosphorus-based fertilizers). Hopi is top hardy to about -21°C and root hardy to about -25°C (USDA zone 6).
Last update: 16-08-2012
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GLOSSARY
- STANDARD QUALITY - Plants of this group are 1st class quality with number of branches and overall density adequate to their size and age, considering they were container grown.
- DE LUXE QUALITY - This label guarantees a luxurious quality of manually selected plants that, compared to their height and age, are exceptionally dense and beautiful.
- EXTRA - These plants are usually mature and bigger specimens with exceptional overall appearance.
- STANDARD (as described in the plant form) means a tree with a trunk of 190-210 cm and a crown at the top, unless specified differently. The commercial size for trees is their girth measured in the height of 1m from ground.
- HOBBY - These plants are of the same quality as our standard-quality plants but younger and therefore cheaper.
- SHRUB - a woody plant with branches growing bushy from the ground level.
- HALF-STANDARD or MINI-STANDARD - a small tree with shorter trunk, its size is usually specified.
- FEATHERED - These are trees with branches growing already from the base of the trunk and up along the stem.
- GRASSES and PERENNIALS - Sizes given usually read the diameter of the pot or the clump, as specified.
