Tropical crape myrtle

[mike-coral gables]

I bought this plant from a grower in Miami and planted it last year here in Mt Dora ( z 9b) . I also planted several queens crape myrtles which sadly froze to the ground ( but have returned). This one did not  have any winter damage at all and is definitely different from the more common southern crape myrtles that are abundant up here . Any idea what variety this is ? It’s pretty magnificent! 

[Eric in Orlando]

It looks like a hybrid between Lagerstroemia indica and L. speciosa. They are hardier than L. speciosa (usually good to 24-25F) but have the larger flowers like L. speciosa. Many years ago Monrovia was selling this and had named it 'Majestic Orchid'. There was also a hybrid called 'Princess' that was in the Florida nursery trade decades ago. I have never seen it for sale. I have seen some hybrids in old landscapes around here and maybe thee are the 'Princess'.

[mike-coral gables]

Thanks Eric for the reply. I knew this was something special when I saw it! Interesting that it is not readily available in the trade. How do you propagate it ? 

[Eric in Orlando]

It should do well from cuttings this time of year.

[mike-coral gables]

Thanks Eric , will give it a try

[greysrigging]

A common street planting in Darwin, Northern Territory of Australia ( 12* South )

https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/sun-newspapers/showering-streets-in-vibrancy/news-story/e1839d54998e275b5be1255bd42a7f5b