Pride of India (Lagerstroemia speciosa), known as Jarul, is a medium to large deciduous tree celebrated for its grand panicles of crinkled mauve, pink and purple flowers that crown the canopy through the monsoon. The bold oblong leaves turn red before falling, adding autumn-like colour. Native to tropical Asia including India, Jarul is the state flower of Maharashtra and thrives in warm, moist climates. It serves as a magnificent ornamental, avenue and shade tree, and its leaves are used in traditional medicine. Few flowering trees match its lush summer-monsoon display in tropical landscapes.
Specifications
| Family |
Lythraceae |
| Native region |
Tropical South and Southeast Asia |
| Mature height |
10-20 m |
| Mature spread |
8-12 m |
| Growth rate |
Moderate to fast |
| Foliage |
Deciduous, large oblong, red before fall |
| Flower colour |
Mauve, pink and purple |
| Flower season |
May-July (monsoon) |
| Climate zone |
Tropical and subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun |
| Watering |
Regular; prefers consistently moist soil |
| Soil / mix |
Fertile, moist, well-drained loamy soil |
| Temperature |
18-40C; warm climate, frost-sensitive |
| Humidity |
Prefers moderate to high humidity |
| Fertilizer |
Balanced NPK once or twice a year |
| Pruning |
Prune after flowering to shape |
| Repotting |
Plant in ground; large tree |
| Propagation |
Seeds and cuttings |
| Pests & problems |
Watch for aphids and leaf spot |
| Toxicity / safety |
Non-toxic; leaves used medicinally |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
A premier ornamental, avenue and shade tree; valued timber and a traditional herbal use of its leaves (banaba) for blood-sugar support. State flower of Maharashtra.
Growing tips
Loves the warm, moist Indian monsoon; plant in fertile, moisture-retentive soil in full sun and keep well watered for the best flowering display.