7 crape myrtles, Lagerstroemia with red flowers, for a flamboyant garden.

Lagerstroemia indica ‘Victoria’ is a North American selection. Its flowers, in large pyramid-shaped panicles, appear on the current year’s growth. Its foliage, attractive and glossy, is deciduous and turns golden yellow and coppery red before falling, while its bark, as it ages, peels to reveal a smooth beige-gray trunk adorned with distinctive reddish-brown markings, which stand out particularly when planted to the rear of a border or as a standalone specimen near an entrance.

Ideal for South West gardens with a hot climate, but more humid in summer than the Mediterranean climate, crape myrtle also adapts to cooler zones in very sunny, well-sheltered positions. In general, it thrives in full sun, in a sheltered location, on light, fertile soil with little lime. It can be planted as a standalone specimen or paired in a border with perennials such as Nepeta, salvias and Asters. In pots, it brightens terraces with year-round appeal.

‘Périgord Pourpre’ reaches about 1.5 m in height with a 1 m spread, with an upright, compact habit and fairly rapid growth. Its flowers, in large panicles, are pale red-pink in bud, then intense red. The dark green foliage becomes yellow or red in autumn depending on the climate. The bark, beige streaked with reddish-brown, peels in coloured plates, in cinnamon, wine red, old rose, cream.

Plant it at the back of a border with perennials such as Campanula pyramidalis, Gaura lindheimeri, and with flowering shrubs such as roses.

Selected in Texas, ‘Red Hot’ is hardy to zone 7b, and performs best in zone 8 and warmer. Its flowering begins in late July and lasts until September, with dense panicles of bright red flowers. It reaches up to 2.5 m in height and 2 m in diameter with a bushy habit and rapid growth. Its burgundy-chocolate-violaceous foliage turns purple in autumn. The bark, beige with brown-red striations, peels in colourful plates.

On a sunny terrace, in a large container, a groundcover of Stachys byzantina, Nepeta mussini and Iberis sempervirens will highlight its base, bark and flowering.

‘Grand Cru’ reaches 3 to 5 m in height with a 3 m spread at maturity, with rapid growth. Its flowering, from August to October, consists of large, densely packed panicles of crepe-textured flowers in a coral-red shade that is uncommon. Its bark, beige with reddish-brown striations, peels away in coloured plates to reveal soft tones.

Perfect for South West gardens, ‘Grand Cru’ prefers temperate oceanic climates. Plant it as a specimen, near the house, to enjoy its numerous benefits. In a shrub border, it accompanies the purple Cotinus and deciduous spindle trees, which also display beautiful autumn hues.

Created in France, ‘Braise d’Eté’ stands out for its unique colour, its precocity, its floribundity and its resistance to powdery mildew. This variety, still not widely distributed, develops a bushy, ramified habit from the base, with a rounded crown and eventually reaches 3.50 m in height with a 2.50 m spread. Its flowering, from July to September, comprises large panicles of flowers with undulate margins in a very intense colour. In autumn, the foliage turns copper and orange.

At the back of a colourful summer border, it pairs well with perennials rich in vibrant colours such as the Echinacea purpurea, the daylilies and the yarrow.  

Rare in trade, ‘Rouge Nain’ reaches about 1 m in height and 1.5 m in width. Its flowering, from July to autumn, consists of panicles of bright red flowers. The glossy green foliage turns yellow or red in autumn. Its bark, beige streaked with reddish-brown, peels in coloured patches.

Ideal for south-west facing gardens, ‘Rouge Nain’ adapts to all sunny gardens and terraces sheltered from the wind. In a rock garden, a low bed or in a pot, it enhances the space. Plant lavenders, thymes and oregano at its base.

‘Dynamite’ has a bushy habit and reaches up to 4 m in height with a 3 m spread. Its flowering, from July to October, consists of large panicles of cherry-red flowers. Dark green foliage turns yellow or red in autumn. Its bark, beige with reddish-brown striations, peels in coloured plates.

Plant it with ornamental grasses that bring lightness and movement. In autumn, it accompanies colourful asters. Agapanthus, with their blue bell-shaped flowers, provide a striking contrast. shrub roses will pair wonderfully with this Lagerstroemia thanks to their abundant flowering.