Jupiter Tree Care

Knowing in depth the care of the Jupiter tree is a guarantee to enjoy one of the flowering shrubs with the highest ornamental value. A very curious statement if we consider that it is a shrub with deciduous leaves that blooms profusely from summer to even autumn. Why is it so attractive? Simple: even its bare trunk in winter has decorative value. Its bark is slightly rosy. A color that, even without leaves, will make us enjoy its presence very much.

Popularly called lilacs of the Indies, the truth is that this name of the tree of Jupiter could not be more wrong and responds to how it was cataloged at a botanical level. In the eighteenth century and captivated by its beauty, the director of the Swedish East India Company, Magnus von Lagerstroem; He sent a copy by boat to the botanist Linnaeus. A plant expert who did not know this precious shrub and who, in honor of his friend, named it Lagerstroemia indica due to its exotic origin. What Linnaeus did not know about it is that the tree of Jupiter is native to China and Japan. Two countries in which their flowers have been used, since time immemorial, for offerings in temples.

Regardless of its origin, the truth is that we are talking about a very common bush in small gardens and narrow streets. A spectacular plant that also requires little but very specific care.

5 ESSENTIAL JUPITER TREE CARE

As important as knowing in detail the care of the Jupiter tree is to know a little more about it. Despite its name, it is still a tree-like shrub. As for its dimensions, it can measure between three and eight meters. Of course: it is not a shrub suitable for the impatient, nor for those looking for fast-growing shrubs for fences. Lagerstroemia indica takes its time to grow, but when it does, it proves that the wait was worth it.

Although it is a bush that grows in the form of multi-stems, with the appropriate pruning it will have an extremely beautiful crown in which branches, leaves and flowers are concentrated. These last ones are, without a doubt, the real spectacle. Medium in size but extremely abundant, it is possible to enjoy them in shades that range between white and fuchsia, going through pink and even purple.

But let’s not underestimate its leaves. The intense and bright green color typical of summer is followed by an orange and reddish tone in the autumn months. A display of colors according to the season, and before the tree of Jupiter loses its leaf until spring.

Apart from its aesthetics, it is also important to know that it can be considered a rustic bush. It is not only resistant to heat: it also withstands cold well and even moderate frost. But yes: so that you can do it without compromising your well-being, it is essential to rigorously follow the care of the Jupiter tree.

1. A very bright location

In order to display its characteristic flowering, it is essential that it is in a sunny location. If we live in a very hot climate, our Jupiter tree will appreciate a semi-shade location with lots of light. If planted with too much shade, it will not bloom and it is more than likely that fungi such as powdery mildew will take a toll on it.

If we live in a very cold climate, it is advisable to plant it near a wall to protect it from low temperatures. What’s more: the ideal would be to have it in a pot, to be able to move it as we please when temperatures drop. It is true that it will not have such a spectacular growth, but it will not be in danger.

2. A soil with specific needs

One of the cares of the Jupiter tree that we must contemplate, whether we plant it in the ground or if we have it in a pot. In order to grow and flourish, Lagerstroemia indica requires slightly acidic soil.

Not only that: although it is essential that the soil is fresh, deep and slightly moist, it is also essential that it has good drainage.

3. Regular and specific irrigation, essential in the care of the Jupiter tree

During the warm months and as long as it is planted in the ground, the Jupiter tree demands regular watering three to four times a week for the first few years. In addition, it is important that it be in depth to properly hydrate the roots. During the rest of the year, a weekly watering will suffice. Once established, moderately drought tolerant.

Just as important as watering regularly is doing it with the water you need. Important that it does not have lime or, failing that, that it is acidified water.

4. Fertilizer during the growing season

To promote its growth and flowering, the Jupiter tree needs a regular dose of fertilizer from the arrival of spring until the end of summer.

Just as important as applying the fertilizer regularly is to use a specific one for acid plants. Only in this way will our bush be able to maintain the characteristic green of its leaves without suffering from chlorosis and other derived diseases.

5. Training pruning at an early age, one of the most aesthetic Jupiter tree cares

Pruning as such is not essential for this shrub, except to remove old branches or dead flowers. Some tasks that we must carry out both at the end of winter in the first case, and at the end of autumn in the second.

Apart from this maintenance pruning and if we want our bush to have a tree shape, we will have to eliminate the lower branches in its first years. Something that we must do knowing thoroughly the advice to prune correctly, and cleaning only the necessary branches so that it has a compact crown.

Some simple care to enjoy one of the most beautiful bushes that exist. How to give up your beauty?