Bungor Raya, Pride of India, Queens Crape Myrtle

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: India

Growth Habits: Deciduous tree, rounded, fast growing to 40 to 60 feet tall (12-18 m), 30 to 40 feet in spread (9-12 m); attractive peeling bark, easily damaged; smooth oblong leathery leaves, up to 12 inches long (30 cm); the leaves turn red before falling in autumn

Watering Needs: Moderate water, drought resistant, low salt tolerance, tolerates alkaline soil, needs good drainage.

Propagation: Cuttings, root suckers, seeds

The reddish brownwood is used in India for home building and furniture.

Blooming Habits:
Very showy pink to purple flowers, with crinkled petals, in racemes, in summer.

Fruiting Habits:
Oval brown fruit, about 0.5 inch long (1.2 cm), splitting in six pieces when mature. The seeds are small with winged flaps.

Culture:
The Queens Crape Myrtle requires regular fertilizing, not to become chlorotic. It also requires regular pruning.