Crape myrtle [Braise d'Été] Lagerstroemia indica Braise d'Été = 'Indybra' (PBR) (Indya Charms Series)

Water

Crape myrtles, including Lagerstroemia indica 'Braise d'Été', should be watered deeply once a week during their growing season, with a particular focus on the roots rather than the leaves to avoid fungal diseases. In the absence of rainfall, watering should be increased to twice a week. Newly planted crape myrtles require more frequent watering, every two to three days, to help establish their root system. During the dormant season, reduce watering to every two to three weeks, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering session, depending on the size and maturity of the plant.

Light

Crape myrtles thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom optimally. The ideal spot for a crape myrtle is in a location where it has unobstructed access to sunlight without shading from taller trees or structures. Some light afternoon shade might be beneficial in extremely hot climates, but otherwise, full sun exposure is best.

Temperature

Crape myrtles are heat-loving plants and perform well in a temperature range of 60°F to 95°F, which are typical conditions during their active growth period. They can withstand minimum winter temperatures down to about 0°F, but they may die back to the ground if temperatures drop below this threshold. Ideally, crape myrtles should experience warm temperatures during the growing season for robust growth and flowering.

Pruning

Crape myrtles benefit from pruning to shape the plant, encourage vigorous growth, and enhance blooming. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Thin out crowded branches and remove any dead or diseased wood. Annual light pruning to remove spent flowers and seed heads can increase the next round of blooms, but avoid heavy pruning, which can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Crape Myrtle prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5; mix loam, compost, and perlite for the best soil structure.

Repotting

Crape Myrtles need repotting every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.

Humidity & Misting

Crape Myrtle thrives at average humidity levels; it's flexible but avoid overly dry air.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure full sun, room to grow, and well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and water deeply.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Lagerstroemia indica Braise d'Été, commonly known as the Crape Myrtle, begins its life as a seed, which upon germination, grows into a sapling. The sapling gradually develops into a shrub or small tree, forming a well-branched structure with multiple stems. During spring, the Crape Myrtle enters its active growth phase, producing vibrant green leaves and then flowering in the summer with clusters of crinkled flowers that can be red, pink, purple, or white. Post-blooming, the flowers give way to small, brown capsule-like fruits that release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. In the fall, the leaves may turn attractive shades of yellow, orange, or red before falling off as the plant enters dormancy in winter. Throughout its life, which can span several decades, the Crape Myrtle can experience pruning and shaping, which is often done to encourage a more desirable form and enhance blooming.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Crepe Myrtle 'Braise d'Été' 'Indybra' is through semi-hardwood cuttings, a technique often employed during the summer months when the plant's growth is mature yet still somewhat pliable. To propagate by cuttings, gardeners should select healthy, non-flowering stems from the current year's growth and cut sections about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length. Leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cut end may be treated with a rooting hormone to enhance root development. The prepared cuttings are then inserted into a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least two nodes are beneath the soil surface where roots can develop. The cuttings require a warm, humid environment to root successfully, which can be achieved by covering them with a plastic bag and placing them in indirect light until they root within several weeks.