Lagerstroemia speciosa (Queen's Crape Myrtle) at Fullerton Arboretum_2014

[fastfeat]

If it's July, the Lagerstroemia speciosa at Fullerton is probably blooming... I've posted this tree before; this year is particularly good. AFAIK, this is the largest of its kind in SoCal (tho its sibling at WCA is a bit taller). Others from this batch of plants (that I grew from seed that Leon @ XOTX-Tropico challenged me to germinate, circa 2000...) may still be out in the SoCal landscape somewhere. If anyone knows of any in any shape here, please post.

More of a large shrub (than a vigorous tree in SoFla or HI) in CA. It is generally considered a tropical along the lines of Delonix regia, preferring more consistently warm temps earlier in the growing season. But this tree has never suffered frost or cold damage (on its purposely-chosen south-facing slope) so far. (Small plants, 1-3 y/o would show dieback at 40F; wood hardens up with age.) It also colors up nicely in fall (unlike in FL or HI). Seed pods are produced regularly. But like Delonix, Cassia fistula, other tropicals in CA, cooling fall weather stops full development of seed just before maturity. Will have to try cuttings some time (easy in FL, tho I haven't tried in CA.)

[stevethegator]

Recently collected seeds from one of these here in FL, I planted some in pots in a shady area and I think two have germinated! Will it be forever before they attain some size or are they fast growers?

[Philpalm]

Here in the Philippines they are VERY fast growers, I have hundreds in the nursery and have to keep cutting them back, actually for pot culture here they just

grow to quick and need re>potting all the time. Beautiful flowers, they use the leaves/bark as medicine as it is a medicinal tree here in Asia. They should take off in Florida also.!!

[Palms1984]

If it's July, the Lagerstroemia speciosa at Fullerton is probably blooming... I've posted this tree before; this year is particularly good. AFAIK, this is the largest of its kind in SoCal (tho its sibling at WCA is a bit taller). Others from this batch of plants (that I grew from seed that Leon @ XOTX-Tropico challenged me to germinate, circa 2000...) may still be out in the SoCal landscape somewhere. If anyone knows of any in any shape here, please post.

More of a large shrub (than a vigorous tree in SoFla or HI) in CA. It is generally considered a tropical along the lines of Delonix regia, preferring more consistently warm temps earlier in the growing season. But this tree has never suffered frost or cold damage (on its purposely-chosen south-facing slope) so far. (Small plants, 1-3 y/o would show dieback at 40F; wood hardens up with age.) It also colors up nicely in fall (unlike in FL or HI). Seed pods are produced regularly. But like Delonix, Cassia fistula, other tropicals in CA, cooling fall weather stops full development of seed just before maturity. Will have to try cuttings some time (easy in FL, tho I haven't tried in CA.)

This tree grows here in San Diego. There's two trees in Balboa Park which bloom very well every year.

[chinandega81]

Could this tree take the desert heat of Palm Springs or El Centro?

[fastfeat]

4 hours ago, chinandega81 said:

Could this tree take the desert heat of Palm Springs or El Centro?

I suspect it could take the low desert heat if it doesn't lack for water and soil isn't too alkaline. Tends to get mineral deficiencies on SoFla limestone; I'd expect similar issues on desert caliche. 

If you can locate one, I'd give it a try.

[Silas_Sancona]

You know, I'd been thinking about how this species might perform here in the desert recently and ended up stumbling upon several  nice 15gal specimens while doing some plant pricing for a small job I'm getting ready to start.

Agree with Ken that, if situated correctly,  and provided enough water( through the summer esp),  Queen's Crepe would likely handle desert conditions, barring some extreme heat, or possible cold damage.

 To me, this tree sits within the same general category as things like Royal Poinciana, Cassia fistula, and Colvillea. if not a touch hardier. A seedling I have didn't blink through the worst of the heat this summer while other stuff I'd thought would be tougher fried.. and that is placed where all received plenty of shade through the hottest part of the day.

 Really considering installing one in our backyard after I yank out a dying citrus and get the nasty Lead Tree down. ( girdled the trunk and all branches recently)

 

[chinandega81]

Well, I planted one out here in the Imperial Valley. It´s along the east side of a fence so it receives shade from the worst afternoon sun in the summer. I planted it about a month ago so my first challenge is to keep it alive through the Winter. It is next to an African Tulip and Sea Mahoe, so I am hopeful it does as well in this spot. I also planted a Cassia Fistula and and Floss Silk Tree at the same time. So far it's been somewhat humid, warm in the days and mild at night....so hopefully we have a mild Winter so they can all get established and take off in the Spring.

[fastfeat]

4 hours ago, chinandega81 said:

Well, I planted one out here in the Imperial Valley. It´s along the east side of a fence so it receives shade from the worst afternoon sun in the summer. I planted it about a month ago so my first challenge is to keep it alive through the Winter. It is next to an African Tulip and Sea Mahoe, so I am hopeful it does as well in this spot. I also planted a Cassia Fistula and and Floss Silk Tree at the same time. So far it's been somewhat humid, warm in the days and mild at night....so hopefully we have a mild Winter so they can all get established and take off in the Spring.

Best of luck. Keep us posted.

[DoomsDave]

On 10/30/2016, 3:13:43, chinandega81 said:

Well, I planted one out here in the Imperial Valley. It´s along the east side of a fence so it receives shade from the worst afternoon sun in the summer. I planted it about a month ago so my first challenge is to keep it alive through the Winter. It is next to an African Tulip and Sea Mahoe, so I am hopeful it does as well in this spot. I also planted a Cassia Fistula and and Floss Silk Tree at the same time. So far it's been somewhat humid, warm in the days and mild at night....so hopefully we have a mild Winter so they can all get established and take off in the Spring.

Keep us posted, and give us a picture of your beautiful baby now, if you can.

[chinandega81]

Here is a pic of my Queen Crepe Mytle planted in early October. It just starting to put on new growth. Next to it is an African Tulip Tree.

[fastfeat]

Nice. Small enough that if you do get cold weather this winter, you can still cover them.

BTW, where did you find the Lagerstoemia? Is there a CA nursery now growing?

[chinandega81]

I bought it from Top Tropicals in Florida. They sent it through the mail.