Lagerstroemia indica ‘Orchid Cascade’, commonly known as Crepemyrtle

Abstract

‘Orchid Cascade’ is a new and distinct variety of Lagerstroemia indica, commonly referred to as Crepemyrtle. It is a low growing variety where the primary limbs arch and cascade out and downward. It has a height of 16 to 24 inches at maturity with substantially no upward growth. It can reach a width of 40 to 48 inches. This cultivar is an early blooming variety which starts to bloom in early June and is normally in full bloom in plant zone 7B by mid June. It appears to be multi-colored blooming crepemyrtle because of the fading habit of some of its blooms. This color appears to range from a deep lavender/pink to an almost white in appearance with several shades in between. The cultivar is cold hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit and is very highly resistant to powdery mildew.

1. A new and distinct variety of crepemyrtle plant substantially as shown and described characterized by low growing, yet extensive cascading lateral branching that reaches a height of 16 to 24 inches with substantially no upward growth, it is early blooming, profuse and has distinctive lavender pink inflorescences that tend to fade to a lighter color as they mature and it has very high resistance to powdery mildew.