Lagerstroemia 'Piilag B5' ENDURING SUMMER^® RED

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 consequent hybrids.

ENDURING SUMMER^® is an American crepe myrtle series bred by Joshua H.Kardos. The plants boast compact, rounded habit and excellent resistance to diseases. ENDURING SUMMER^® RED produces vibrant red 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 slowly into a densely branched shrub about 1.5m tall and wide. Patented as PP25925 in 2015.

Crepe 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 top hardy to -21°C (USDA zone 6b) and root hardy to -25°C (USDA zone 6a).

Last update: 17-08-2020