Queen’s crape myrtle (banaba) Lagerstroemia speciosa
Queen’s crape myrtle (banaba) (Lagerstroemia speciosa) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Lythraceae family, native to Tropical South and South-east Asia. It grows 8–15 m (26–49 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
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Queen’s crape myrtle (banaba) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Lythraceae |
| Mature height | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Tropical South and South-east Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇮🇳 India, 🇸🇬 Singapore |
Is Queen’s crape myrtle (banaba) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Queen’s crape myrtle (banaba)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Queen’s crape myrtle (banaba)
- How far apart should I plant Queen’s crape myrtle (banaba)?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Queen’s crape myrtle (banaba) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Queen’s crape myrtle (banaba) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Queen’s crape myrtle (banaba)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Queen’s crape myrtle (banaba) flower?
- From about April for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Queen’s crape myrtle (banaba) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Queen’s crape myrtle (banaba)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Queen’s crape myrtle (banaba). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- Philippine Medicinal Plants, StuartXchange
Notes and assumptions
- Big upright panicles of crinkled mauve flowers in the hot season; old leaves turn red before dropping in the dry season.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Pomegranate Punica granatum
- Crepe myrtle Lagerstroemia indica
- Mangrove apple (perepat) Sonneratia alba
- Henna Lawsonia inermis
- Mexican heather (false heather) Cuphea hyssopifolia
- Cigar plant Cuphea ignea
- Thai crape myrtle (tabaek) Lagerstroemia floribunda
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo