Lagerstroemia Indica 'Lipan'

Crepe Myrtle 'Lipan'

Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia indica 'Lipan'
Family: Lythraceae
Origin: East Asia
Plant Type: Deciduous tree

Overview

Also known as Crepe Myrtle ‘Lipan’, this compact, sun-loving feature tree delivers months of lavender-lilac blossom in summer, brilliant autumn colour, and smooth, mottled bark for winter interest—perfect for South Australian conditions. Tough, low-maintenance and highly ornamental, it suits courtyards, verges, small lawns and driveways.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 4–6 m H × 3–4 m W; upright, vase-shaped canopy that casts cooling summer shade without overpowering small gardens
• Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fresh mid-green spring growth; coppery new tips and fiery autumn tones of gold–orange–red before leaves drop
• Flowers: Big trusses of soft lavender-lilac bloom summer to early autumn (Dec–Mar)
  
• Seasonal Interest: A true 4-season performer—spring flush, long summer bloom, autumn colour, winter bark
• Wildlife Value: Lipan’s summer-long flower clusters are Good for Pollinators—Attracts Bees, Attracts Butterflies, and its sheltered branching Attracts Birds
• Tolerance: Excellent heat and drought tolerance once established; powdery-mildew resistant; copes with urban/coastal sites
• Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: space 3.5–5 m apart (≈1 tree per 12–25 m²) depending on desired canopy overlap
• Pet Friendly: Generally regarded as non-toxic to pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours) for maximum flowering
• Soil: Well-drained loam/sandy loam/clay loam; improves with compost and mulch
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8-12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10-14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry.
• Maintenance: Light shape in late winter (avoid hard topping); remove spent seedheads if desired; slow-release feed in spring; mulch annually
• Lifespan: 25-50+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral; tolerates mildly alkaline soils with good drainage

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Statement street or courtyard tree that won’t outgrow small gardens—stunning summer colour plus autumn fireworks
• Driveway or poolside feature: non-messy roots, filtered shade, and year-round interest
• Small avenue or double-row along front boundaries for a designer look with synchronized flowering

Why You Will Love It

‘Lipan’ gives you months of colour with minimal fuss—lavender blooms, glowing autumn foliage and designer bark in winter. It’s heat-tough, water-wise once established and naturally mildew resistant, so you get big visual impact without high maintenance. Perfect for elevating curb appeal and creating a luxury garden feel in compact spaces.