Chinese myrtle (Lagerstromeria indica) 0,5g Rocalba

Silk myrtle (lagerstromeria indica)

Contents of sachet 0,5g

Lagerstroemia indica is a species of plant in the genus Lagerstroemia of the willow family (Lythraceae). It is also often called Chinese myrtle, which is misleading, as the silkflower trees are not really closely related to the myrtles (Myrtales): the relationship between the two plant genera is that they are both in the same plant order, myrtle-flowered, but in a different plant family.

The natural range of Chinese milkwort is China, Korea, Japan and parts of the Indian subcontinent. It is often a multi-trunked, deciduous tree with a broadly spreading, rounded form. Planted in hot sun or partial shade. Favourite nesting place for songbirds and bullfinches.

Its bark is striking, pinkish grey and variegated, peeling off annually. The leaves fall off each winter. The bare branches sprout again in early spring. Leaves are small, 5 to 10 cm long, smooth-edged, round to oval, turning from dark green to orange to red in autumn.

It flowers in spring and summer. Flowers (depending on the variety) are white, pink or purple.

The Chinese marigold is frost tolerant, preferring hot sun. It grows up to 6 m tall. It tolerates drought well.

Several hybrids have been created by crossing Lagerstroemia with the woody species Lagerstroemia.