Japanese Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia fauriei), also known as Lagerstroemia subcostata var. fauriei, is a stunning species renowned for its exquisite beauty and versatility in landscapes. Native to Japan, I truly admire this plant for its elegant blooms, smooth bark, and vibrant fall colour. Japanese Crape Myrtle Varieties are stunning.
Yeah, what makes this species even more fascinating is the variety of cultivars available, each offering a range of flower colours, sizes, and growth habits. These qualities make Japanese Crape Myrtle an excellent choice for small and large gardens. Here are some of my favourite and most beautiful varieties, along with their unique features:
Japanese Crape Myrtle Varieties: Lagerstroemia fauriei ‘Townhouse’
The ‘Townhouse’ cultivar is a medium-sized tree that is becoming widely used in parks and gardens as a feature plant. Its beautifully coloured bark and attractive white summer flowers are two of the key reasons I think this variety is a standout for amenity planting.
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast.
- Foliage: The shiny, deep green foliage changes to a bright yellow or orange in autumn.
- Bark: The dark cinnamon-brown outer layers exfoliate to reveal a lighter tone underbark.
- Ornamental Fruit: The brown capsules are of little significance.
- Tree Habit: When young, it has a vase-shaped form that develops into a rounded crown as it ages. It may spread and become multi-trunked or grow as a single trunk. Over time, it can become a moderately large tree.
- Flowers: White flowers bloom from mid-to-late summer.
- Height: Up to 8 meters (26 feet).
- Width: Around 8 meters (26 feet).
Japanese Crape Myrtle Varieties: Lagerstroemia fauriei ‘Fantasy’
The ‘Fantasy’ cultivar is a large and fast-growing tree that can reach up to 50 feet (15 meters) tall. It produces extremely showy white flowers during the summer, and I particularly love the handsome cinnamon-brown bark that complements its bright blooms.
- Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia fauriei ‘Fantasy’
- Common Name: Crape Myrtle Fantasy
- Features: Salt tolerant, heat tolerant, upright habit, year-round interest.
- Attracts: Bees.
- Resists: Deer.
- Bloom Time: Spring to summer.
- Light Requirements: Full sun.
- Mature Size: Grows to 30 feet (9 meters) or more.
- Hardiness Zone: 6 – 9.
This cultivar is incredibly vigorous and one of the fastest-growing Crape Myrtles I’ve encountered. It’s moderately salt-tolerant when planted in well-drained soils and can withstand heat with ease. Its white summer flowers provide a beautiful contrast to the stunning cinnamon-brown bark.
Japanese Crape Myrtle Varieties: Lagerstroemia fauriei ‘Kiowa’
For smaller gardens, I would recommend ‘Kiowa’. This cultivar is a bright white-flowering, multi-stemmed tree that grows to about 24 feet (7 meters) tall, with a similar spread. It’s the perfect choice for those with limited space but who still want a striking Crape Myrtle.
Species Description:
- Deciduous
- Vase-shaped when young, becoming rounded with age
- Cinnamon-colored bark peeling in strips
- Glossy green foliage, turning orange to yellow in winter
- Large panicles of showy white flowers in late summer to autumn
- Insignificant capsules
- Height and Width: Up to 8 meters (26 feet) tall and wide.
Species Origin: Native to Japan, with the cultivar bred in the USA.
Landscape Use:
- Suitable for wide verges, parks, and commercial areas, but also perfect for home gardens.
- Requires a soil volume of at least 30m³.
Use Considerations:
- High frost and drought tolerance.
- Grows well in most soils but prefers well-drained conditions.
- Moderate growth rate.
- Highly resistant to powdery mildew.
- Low flammability.
- Attracts bees with a small amount of nectar.
The End,
In my experience, all these varieties of Japanese Crape Myrtle bring something special to the garden, whether it’s the stunning blooms, the colourful foliage in autumn, or the smooth, exfoliating bark. Each one is unique in its own right, and with the right care, it can transform any landscape into a beautiful and vibrant space.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.