Lagerstroemia indica 'HOUSTON' crape myrtle
size/type
small shrub,small shrub
usual height
0,4-0,6m
usual width
0,6-0,8m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
August-September
location
full sun
soil type
acidic (peaty) to neutral
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist (dislikes drought)
USDA zone (lowest)
7 (down to -23°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Crape 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 hybrids.
Description of the plant:
Houston is a hardy variety of ccrape myrtle bred by American horticulturist David Chopin from Pennsylvania. It produces soft red, almost watermelon red flowers from late July or early August until the last sunny and warm days of early autumn. The deciduous leaves are leathery, oval, glossy, and green in summer, turning fantastic fiery red and orange shades in autumn. Houston is a dwarf plant forming a compact, cushion-like habit. No pruning needed, yet it can be done in spring after frosts.
Crape myrtles need little care. They need full sun with zero shade during the day. Grow them in well-drained soil that should be kept moist before it gets fully established. The soil should be very well-drained and fertile. Heavy mulching in winter is crucial in colder areas, and some mulch in summer is recommended to retain moisture. Overfertilizing will result in excessive growth but no flowers. Houston is hardy to about -23°C (USDA zone 6).
Last update: 17-01-2018
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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.
