A cluster of white Lagerstroemia indica flowers with yellow stamens and green and red buds

Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle)

Native from the Himalaya to southern China and Indochina, this deciduous shrub or small tree is widely cultivated for its flowers. Its conical flower clusters have crinkled petals, and mature bark peels in patches. It flowers on new growth and tolerates drought once established. The species has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. The U.S. National Arboretum’s crape myrtle breeding program used Lagerstroemia fauriei and Lagerstroemia subcostata. The resulting hybrids combined ornamental qualities with powdery-mildew resistance, and selections were also made for cold hardiness, plant form and flower color. Photographed in Florida.

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Single vivid red flower of Lagerstroemia indica with dark foliage from the Black Diamond variety, highlighting the ruffled petals and golden stamens

A purple Lagerstroemia indica flower with yellow anthers and red filaments

Red Lagerstroemia indica flower with yellow anthers under blue sky

White Lagerstroemia indica flower with yellow stamens and green flower buds in sunlight

Bright magenta flowers of Lagerstroemia indica with finely crinkled petals and vibrant yellow stamens at the center

A purple Lagerstroemia indica flower surrounded by red buds

A pink Lagerstroemia indica flower with yellow anthers and curved pink filaments

Lagerstroemia indica red flower with yellow anthers

Deep red Lagerstroemia indica flower with crinkled petals, curved filaments, yellow anthers, and rounded unopened buds

Close-up of a white crinkled flower of Lagerstroemia indica with delicate yellow-tipped stamens emerging from a green and maroon center

Close-up of yellow anthers and red filaments inside a Lagerstroemia indica flower

Intense deep pink Lagerstroemia indica flowers with clustered crinkled petals and exposed yellow-tipped stamens

Two purple Lagerstroemia indica flowers with yellow anthers in sunlight

Two bright pink Lagerstroemia indica flowers and yellow anthers

Two purple Lagerstroemia indica flowers with yellow stamens

Cluster of fuchsia-red Lagerstroemia indica Black Diamond flowers with prominent yellow stamens, surrounded by glossy dark purple leaves

Two purple Lagerstroemia indica flowers and red flower buds

Two Lagerstroemia indica flowers and red flower buds

A branching cluster of white Lagerstroemia indica flowers against a blue sky

Lagerstroemia indica inflorescence with purple flowers

A cluster of deep pink Lagerstroemia indica flowers

Lagerstroemia indica purple flower cluster

Dark pink Lagerstroemia indica flowers on an inflorescence

A cluster of purple Lagerstroemia indica flowers

Lagerstroemia indica pink flower cluster

White flowering cluster of Lagerstroemia indica in full bloom with bright yellow stamens against a soft blue sky

Large inflorescence of light purple Lagerstroemia indica flowers arching toward a clear blue sky

Lagerstroemia indica with pink-red flowers under blue sky

A Lagerstroemia indica shrub with purple flower clusters and green leaves

Lagerstroemia indica bush with purple flowers

A mature Lagerstroemia indica shrub in full bloom with bright magenta flowers, surrounded by tall pine trees in a landscaped garden

Lagerstroemia indica shrub with purple flowers in sunlight

A flowering Lagerstroemia indica shrub with purple flowers