Lagerstroemia Indica 'Little Audrey'

Crepe Myrtle 'Little Audrey'

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

Overview

A compact, dwarf crepe myrtle with months of colour. ‘Little Audrey’ delivers rich pink summer blooms, vibrant autumn foliage and attractive, flaking bark—perfect for small gardens, courtyards and feature pots in South Australia.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.5-1.0 m H x 0.5-1.0 m W (naturally compact, easily kept smaller)
• Growth Rate: 25-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fresh mid-green spring growth; bronze new tips; brilliant orange-red tones in autumn; decorative mottled bark in winter
• Flowers: Showy rich pink panicles from mid-summer to early autumn (Dec–Apr); deadhead to extend display
  
• Seasonal Interest: Four-season appeal—spring flush, summer flowers, autumn colour, winter bark
• Wildlife Value: Attracts Bees, Attracts Butterflies, Good for Pollinators—nectar-rich blooms support beneficial insects
• Tolerance: Heat and drought tolerant once established; light frost tolerant; handles coastal conditions
• Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: 1 tree per 4-6 m² (2-2.5 m apart), depending on mature canopy; Low hedge/row: 1–1.2 m apart
• Pet Friendly: Generally regarded as non-toxic to pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6 hrs/day) for best flowering and compact habit
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or clay loam; avoid waterlogging
• 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 late winter (when dormant); remove spent flower heads in summer to prolong bloom; mulch spring; balanced feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 25-50 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral; tolerates mildly alkaline if drainage is good

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Small feature tree for courtyards, front gardens and narrow verges—big colour in a compact footprint
• Avenue or driveway rhythm with staggered spacing; spectacular summer display and autumn glow
• Designer pot specimen on patios and entrances; underplant with low grasses or silver foliage for contrast

Why You Will Love It

‘Little Audrey’ gives you long, summer-long flowers without taking over your space—ideal for modern small blocks. Add in striking autumn colour and decorative bark and you’ve got a plant that looks good all year, thrives in SA heat, and needs minimal fuss once established.