A showstopping shrub or small tree that lights up the summer garden with lavish clusters of crinkled, crepe-paper blooms in rich shades of pink, red, purple or white. Lagerstroemia indica 'Parachute' — the Crape Myrtle — offers three seasons of ornamental appeal: spectacular midsummer flowers, warm amber and orange autumn foliage, and attractive smooth, peeling bark that adds sculptural interest through the winter months. Equally at home as a specimen plant or trained into a multi-stemmed tree form, 'Parachute' brings a touch of elegant, exotic drama to the garden without demanding excessive attention.
Growing conditions
Position: Crape Myrtles thrive in a warm, sheltered spot in full sun. A south- or west-facing border, courtyard or wall provides the heat and light needed to ripen the wood and produce the best flowering performance. Avoid exposed, frost-prone positions where late frosts may damage emerging growth in spring.
Soil: Plant in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Lagerstroemia tolerates a range of soil types — including sandy and clay-based soils — provided drainage is good and waterlogging is avoided. Slightly acidic to neutral pH gives the best results, though it adapts well to most ordinary garden soils.
Hardiness: Established plants are reasonably hardy and will tolerate moderate frost, but young plants benefit from some protection during their first winter or two. In colder regions, growing in a sheltered microclimate or against a warm wall will greatly improve performance and winter survival.
Care
Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to help the root system establish firmly. Once settled in, Crape Myrtles are notably drought-tolerant and require only moderate watering during prolonged dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as consistently wet conditions around the roots will cause problems.
Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring as new growth begins to encourage vigorous shoots and a generous flowering display. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds in late summer, as these can promote soft growth that is more susceptible to frost damage.
Pruning: Pruning should be carried out in late winter or early spring before growth resumes. Remove any dead, damaged or crossing stems, and lightly shape the plant to maintain an open, airy framework that allows good air circulation — this also helps to reduce the risk of powdery mildew, to which Lagerstroemia can occasionally be susceptible. Resist the temptation to cut back hard each year (a practice known as 'crape murder'), as this spoils the natural form and reduces the quality of flowering. Deadheading spent flower heads in late summer can encourage a second flush of bloom later in the season.
Mulching: Apply a mulch of bark or well-rotted compost around the base of the plant each spring to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and offer the roots some additional insulation against cold temperatures.
