The Colorful Black Diamond® Crape Myrtle

If you are hoping to add some color to your yard, the Black Diamond® crape myrtle varieties are an excellent choice. These stunning trees feature vivid blooms and intense dark leaves that are almost black in hue. 

There are actually many different crape myrtle varieties, all of which feature captivating blooms in a range of colors. The Black Diamond® varieties were developed by a research scientist at the United States Department of Agriculture. At Plant Me Green, we offer several different types of Black Diamond® trees. 

If you love red blooms, the Crimson Red would be an excellent option, as well as the or Red Hot variety.

For those who enjoy pink blossoms, you could select the delicate hue of the Shell Pink or perhaps the more intense pink of the Mystic Magenta trees.

The Purely Purple is ideal for those who prefer a more purple-hued bloom, and the Pure White is an excellent choice for those who wish to purchase a tree with white flowers. 

The Black Diamond® crape myrtle tends to reach a mature height between 10-12 feet with a 4 to 5 foot spread. They can be an excellent choice for a smaller yard or perhaps a decorative way to line a long driveway or a fence. However, they also can be an ideal container plant, provided you use a container that is at least 12 inches in diameter. 

The Black Diamond® crape myrtle trees are hardy in Zones 7-9 and fairly drought tolerant as well as mildew resistant. If you aren’t sure in which zone you live, check out our Lookup Plant Hardiness Zones resource. 

It is recommended that you plant your Black Diamond® crape myrtle in full sun. During its first month after planting, you will need to water the tree quite thoroughly every other day. It will need to be pruned every year, generally at the end of winter or first days of spring. Yearly fertilization is recommended around the time when you see new growth. Aside from that, there really isn’t a great deal of maintenance, which is just another reason why this plant is so popular. 

If you have questions about proper planting or pruning of your Black Diamond® crape myrtle, please let us know. We are happy to provide you recommendations for both planting and pruning. In addition to the Black Diamond® crape myrtle varieties, we also carry the U.S. National Arboretum, First Editions, and Southern Living varieties of crape myrtles for your consideration.