Grand Gamad

Lagerostroemia ‘Gamad VII’ is looking exceptional in the garden this month. This dwarf selection, sold under the invalid trade name of Sweetheart Dazzle, is a gem of a plant, and one that has actually stayed dwarf. Our twelve year old plant is 4′ tall x 10′ wide.

Lagerostroemia Gamad VII
Lagerostroemia ‘Gamad VII’

4 thoughts on “Grand Gamad”

  1. I have a question about hardy begonia that I got from a friend who said that he had purchased it from your nursery years ago. Based on photos, I believe it’s begonia grandis (olive color leaves with reddish undertone on the bottom, which you do carry. I planted it in the spring, so no blooms yet. My concern is that it is already popping up in multiple spots nearby, while the original plant is still tiny. Does it spread aggressively? Is it hard to control? I’ve read a lot of comments online and they are very confusing, with majority people loving it and some hating it saying that it is taking over and impossible to get rid of once it spreads. One of such negative comments was from Durham, which got me worried as I live in Raleigh. I planted this plant on a terraced slope supported by dry laid retaining walls. It’s already popping up in between the stones, a few feet away from the original spot, which is why I am concerned. I do want something cascading over the stones or growing in between, and I love the color of the leaves, just don’t want to have a major headache later on. I would appreciate any information as very few people know about this plant, and I know that you do. Thank you so very much in advance!

    1. If you have Begonia grandis, it is a clump former that only moves via by axillary stem bulbils formed in the late summer/fall. Having grown it for over 50 years, I certainly don’t consider it aggressive, but it does pop up everywhere a stem falls. It’s quite easy to eliminate where it isn’t wanted. Although seedlings are possible, they are quite rare compared to falling bulbils. So, it doesn’t fit any legitimate definition of being invasive, but can certainly be a thug in a poorly maintained garden. Hope that helps.

      1. Thank you so very much for your reply! Yes, it helps a whole lot! So glad to hear that it’s easy to eliminate where it’s not wanted, this is the most important factor.

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