Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Lagerstroemia indica L. var. elegans

See Lagerstroemia indica L. for a description of the species.  Elegans is a variety with rose and yellow flowers.

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘[Lagerstroemia elegans] resembles in some respects the L. indica, but its growth is far more robust, its flowering season much later, and its whole habit, when the two are seen together, very distinct.  The blossoms, which are rather darker coloured, and a little smaller than those of L. indica, are produced in fine spreading panicles at the extremities of the branches, are exceedingly shewy, and continue in perfection a long time.  It is a native of mountains in the East Indies, where it was originally discovered by Dr. Wallich, and by him introduced to the Botanical Garden of Calcutta, from whence it reached this country in 1841.’  [MB p.269/1847].

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1857 catalogue only [T.618/1857].

Notes

Published Mar 05, 2010 - 02:46 PM | Last updated Mar 05, 2010 - 02:54 PM

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Figured are oblong leaves and a panicle of rosy crepe-like flowers. Paxton's Magazine of Botany p.269, 1847.

Lagerstroemia indica L. var. elegans | MB p.269/1847 | RBGS

Family Lythraceae
Category
Region of origin

China
Synonyms
  • Lagerstroemia elegans Wall. ex Paxt. 
Common Name

Crepe flower, Crepe myrtle
Name in the Camden Park Record

Lagerstroemia elegans 
Confidence level high