General: The crape myrtle comes from the warmer areas of Asia and becomes about 8 meters high there. It grows as a small tree or shrub and has a spreading, spherical crown. The bark is smooth and spotted pink-brown. In late summer the plant develops very decorative, ruffled pink-violet flowers.
Care as a bonsai: The crape myrtle is also very popular as a bonsai thanks to its unique flowers and smooth, colored trunk. The plant is vigorous and should be cut back regularly in order to branch well. The young branches are also easy to wire. Then the wood becomes hard and inflexible. The flower develops in late summer and accordingly the last shoot should only be shortened after flowering. A bright location as well as adequate irrigation and fertilization during the growing season are important prerequisites for the health of the plant. However, waterlogging must be avoided at all costs. In winter the crape myrtle loses its leaves and should be wintered frost-free and below 10 ° C.
