Overview
Crepe Myrtle Bonsai (Lagerstroemia indica) is a flowering tree with smooth peeling bark, summer blossom and attractive autumn colour. It is best suited to flowering bonsai, informal upright and elegant trunk-line designs. For UK growers, treat it as: Outdoor in mild months, frost-protected in cold UK areas.
Placement
full sun for flowering and compact growth
Watering
water well in summer, allowing slight surface drying between waterings
Feeding and fertilising
feed during spring and early summer; reduce nitrogen when encouraging flowers
Pruning and wiring
prune in late winter or after flowering depending on design; wire young shoots
Repotting
repot every 2-3 years in spring
Propagation
cuttings and seed
Pests, diseases and common issues
powdery mildew, aphids, weak flowering in shade and winter root damage