Lagerstroemia indica, Jupiter tree.

The genus Lagerstroemia, of the Lythraceae family, comprises 50 species of trees and shrubs native to India, the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, China, Korea and Japan. 

It is commonly known by the names of Jupiter tree, Indian lilac, Southern lilac, spurge and cress.

They are deciduous trees with a broad, very slow-growing crown and reach a height of 8 metres. The leaves are oval-circular and bright green in summer, in autumn they take on golden, reddish or purple tones.

Its attractive flowers appear in beautiful bouquets in red, pink, violet or white. They flower in summer.

They are used as single specimens, in small groups, in rows and in large pots for patios and terraces. They are also used as cut flowers.

Lagerstroemia indica prefers full sun but also grows well in semi-shade. They withstand occasional light frosts.

It likes cool, sandy soils rich in organic matter. Planting is done in spring or autumn.

Water regularly throughout the year so that the substrate does not dry out completely, water sparingly in winter.

Ideally, this plant should be fertilised at the end of winter with compost and in summer with mineral fertiliser every 15 days.

The tips of the branches should be lightly pruned in autumn or winter to maintain a compact crown.

It is a plant that is not usually attacked by the usual pests and diseases.

Propagation is by cuttings at the end of summer and from seeds sown in spring at 20-25 ºC.