Two new Lagerstroemia varieties, from the US Arboretum, Washington, are the result of hybridization between 3 species (L. indica, L.fauriei and L. limii). started last year. The new hybrids have been given the names of Indian tribes (following other hybrids realized by the US Arboretum through crossing only 2 species). These new hybrids can be said to be the first with a truly solid, bright red flower colour, flowering from July to September. The flowering performance in Italy of Lagerstroemia in 2003 was trully exceptional due to the long season of hot humid weather. To date, flower colour has tended to be rather weak shades of rose and lilac and of course white. Both new hybrids have an increased resistance to powdery mildew. 'Cheyenne' grows slowly to form a rounded bush 2.4x2.4m in 12 years ideal as a specimen plant or for mass planting in public parks and gardens or shrub borders. It produces dense deciduous foliage (glossy dark green leaves tinged with maroon) on multi-stems with ornamental bark (light reddish tan as the bark exfoliates). 'Arapaho' gows to a medium sized tree 6m x 3m in 16 years and shares other vegetative characteristics and uses with 'Cheyenne'. Vivai Nord lists 17 varieties in the 'Red Indian' family of Lagerstroemia, but not they new hybrids hereby described. Contact: Dr. Margaret Pooler: E-mail poolerm@ars.usda.gov for specific information and for general details on the series: Vivai Nord Snc, Fax 031 699804, E-mail: vivainord@tin.it www.vivainord.it