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LAGERSTROEMIA indica 'Cordon Bleu'

Image of Lagerstroemia indica 'Cordon Bleu'

Bosh Bruening

Family

Lythraceae

Botanical Name

LAGERSTROEMIA indica 'Cordon Bleu'

Plant Common Name

Cordon Bleu Crapemyrtle, Crapemyrtle

General Description

Cordon Bleu crapemyrtle (also 'Cordon Blue' or 'Louisa') is a heat-loving, miniature shrub that originates from eastern Asia. By midsummer, possibly as early as late spring, it bears many large clusters of crinkled lavender-blue flowers at branch tips. It has glossy, dark green leaves that turn shades of yellow, orange and red in the fall. Mature plants have attractive exfoliating bark and add winter interest to the garden.

Crapemyrtle is tolerant of a wide range of well drained soils and grows best in hot sunny locations. Foliar powdery mildew is often a problem with this plant, but 'Cordon Bleu' is a resistant selection. It is a great mounded shrub that works well for massed foundation plantings or as a specimen plant in mixed borders because it is so florific.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    11 - 7

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    7 - 10

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m

  • Width

    2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall

  • Native To

    China, Korea

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Pollution, Drought, Soil Compaction

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Cushion/Mound-forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Lavender, Blue Violet

  • Fruit Color

    Green, Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Yellow, Red, Orange

  • Bark Color

    Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Exfoliating

  • Usage

    Container, Edging, Foundation, Groundcover, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No