I am a deciduous tree with smooth, flaky bark that reveals a beautiful mottled pattern in shades of gray, cream, and pink.
My flowers are my glory—large, showy panicles of crinkled, crepe-like petals in vibrant purple, lavender, pink, or white that cover my canopy in summer.
I have attractive, elliptical leaves that often turn yellow to red before falling in winter.
I'm a fast-growing tree that provides excellent shade and becomes more beautiful with age.

I am native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and parts of Australia, and I am proudly cultivated throughout India.

I am moderately drought-tolerant once established but appreciate regular watering during dry spells.
Water me deeply once a week during the growing season.
Young trees need more frequent watering to establish strong roots.
I dislike waterlogged soil, so good drainage is essential.

I am a sun lover!
I need full, direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours daily to bloom profusely.
I can tolerate light shade but will produce fewer flowers.

I thrive in warm, tropical to subtropical climates between 20°C and 35°C.
I can tolerate occasional light frost but prefer consistent warmth.
I'm well-suited to the Indian climate and bloom best in hot summers.

Choose a spacious, sunny location with well-draining soil.

Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.

Mix compost or aged manure into the soil for a healthy start.

Plant me at the same depth as I was in the nursery container.

Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to retain moisture.

Prune in late winter to shape the canopy and remove dead wood.

Feed me with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins.
Compost or well-rotted manure applied annually will keep me thriving.
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce flowering.

Scientific Name: Lagerstroemia speciosa

Common Names: Queen's Crape Myrtle, Jarul, Banaba, Queen's Flower

Plant Family: Lythraceae

Plant Type: Outdoor flowering tree

I am generally considered non-toxic to pets, but it's always best to discourage chewing on any plant material.

As a large tree, I am excellent at improving air quality by absorbing pollutants, releasing oxygen, and providing shade.

Spectacular and long-lasting summer blooms

Fast-growing and provides excellent shade

Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds

Beautiful bark adds winter interest

Cultural and medicinal significance in Ayurveda

Powdery mildew - A common fungal issue in humid conditions

Aphids - May cluster on new growth and flower buds

Crape myrtle bark scale - An insect pest that can affect the trunk and branches

Leaf spot - Fungal spots in wet or crowded conditions

Poor flowering - Often due to insufficient sunlight or over-fertilizing

I am a long-lived tree! With proper care, I can thrive for 50 years or more, growing more stately and beautiful with each passing year. I become a living landmark in any landscape I grace!