Lagerstroemia 'SARAH'S FAVOURITE' crepe myrtle
size/type
small tree,taller shrub
usual height
2-5m
usual width
2-3m
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
Lagerstroemia
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 consequent hybrids.Description of the plant:
Sarah’s Favourite is one of the hardiest crape myrtle hybrids. It makes a profusion of white flowers composed in large racemes, similar to those on lilac hence its other name summer lilac. Flowers are produced from late August in C.E. and continue blooming for 4-6 weeks. Deciduous leaves are 3-4 cm long, elliptic to obovate, very glossy, mid green in summer, turning burgundy red, scarlet red, and orange in autumn. Older plants reveal cinnamon red flaking-off bark which soon shows a mosaic like that on plane trees. It grows fast into a large shrub or a small tree. In our climate we expect a mature size of about 5 meters while in zones 7 and warmer it may reach twice this size. Sarah’s Favourite is very similar to Natchez, its young twigs and stalks are paler green and autumn leaves turn deeper red.
Crape myrtle needs little care. They need full sun with zero shade during the day. Pruning will secure profuse flowering: cut back last year's growth to about a third of its original size. Do so in spring after danger of frosts. But if you are looking for a large plant do not prune at all, just remove bottom branches so it can soon reveal its beautiful bark. Grow it in well-drained soil that should be kept moist before it gets fully established. Some sources say that plants do well in slightly acidic soil but as far as it is not water-logged they will grow in any fertile soil. However, acid soil enhances autumn foliage colour. It needs heavy mulching in winter and some mulch in summer to retain moisture. Overfertilizing will cause excessive growth but no flowers. It proved to be top hardy to -24°C (USDA zone 6) and root hardy to -27°C (USDA zone 5b).
Last update: 17-08-2020
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