Lagerstroemia indica Purple Magic - Crape Myrtle

The Lagerstroemia indica Purple Magic® First Editions is a variety of Crape Myrtle that is particularly decorative with its compact habit and its massive summer flowering of dark purple. This shrub is ornamental from spring to autumn: its young leaves are tinged with red, its glossy dark green foliage does not stain, it produces numerous flowers, and its foliage colours in autumn. It will easily withstand temperatures down to -15°C or even lower, once mature. A beautiful summer Crape Myrtle for small gardens, also suitable for container cultivation on terraces and large balconies.

The 'Purple Magic' Crape Myrtle belongs to the Lythraceae family. It is a cultivar obtained in 2008 in the United States by Joshua Kardos. It has a moderately fast growth rate and forms a rounded and dense bush, well-branched from its base to its top. At the age of 10, this variety can reach a height and width of 2 m, depending on the growing conditions. Its foliage is glossy, dark green, and the attractive red-coloured young shoots. It has deciduous foliage that colours in shades of yellow, orange, and reddish in October before falling. The spectacular flowering usually begins in July. It takes the form of numerous clusters of dark purple flowers that appear at the end of the branches. These inflorescences are composed of many small flowers with five petals with a very undulate edge, whose texture resembles that of crêpe paper. Each flower is carried by a slender pedicel. Pruning the faded flowers promotes a second flowering in August. In winter, the smooth bark that peels off in flakes adds extra charm to this beautiful shrub.
This variety is part of a series selected for its compactness. Its dimensions are indicative, as annual pruning can also be used to limit its development, especially if grown in containers.

The Lagerstroemia indica 'Purple Magic' can be used successfully in various ways in the garden. In a large pot on the terrace, the shrub can be admired up close. In the ground, it blends well in shrub borders or can be planted as a specimen. Its dense habit and generous flowering will make it a focal point. This summer, Crape Myrtle can be planted alongside Hibiscus syriacus 'French Cabaret Pastel' or 'Blue Chiffon', Buddleia davidii 'White Profusion', or Weigelia florida 'Rosea'. It can also be placed in the centre of a bed of lavenders and creeping rosemary 'Capri'.

NB: Karl Von Linné named this tree to pay tribute to his friend Magnus Von Lagestroem (1696 – 1759), who had sent it to him from India for identification. Originally, this tree was used to decorate Chinese temples. This tree produces fruits that have a narcotic effect if ingested.