Black Diamond? Crystalline? Crape Myrtle

Black Diamond® Crystalline™ Crape Myrtle

This striking multi-stem crape myrtle stands out in any landscape with its dramatic deep burgundy to nearly black foliage that provides an elegant backdrop for pure white flower clusters. The blooms persist throughout the warm season, creating stunning visual contrast against the dark leaf canopy. Homeowners buy Black Diamond® Crystalline™ Crape Myrtle online for its bold year-round appearance and exceptional resilience once established.

Landscaping Uses

This versatile specimen works beautifully as a focal point in garden beds, along borders, or as an accent in mixed plantings. You can train it as a small ornamental tree reaching full height, maintain it as a tall shrub, or keep it compact and bushy through selective pruning. Its architectural form also adapts well to container growing, bringing sophistication to patios and outdoor living spaces.

Specifications

Height: Up to 12 feet
Width: Varies with pruning
Growth Rate: Moderate
Sun: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
Water: Drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Well-draining, amended with compost
USDA Zones: 6–11

Why Homeowners Love It

• Extraordinary near-black foliage that deepens color in full sun
• Long-lasting white blooms throughout the growing season
• Low-maintenance and heat-tolerant once established
• Naturally disease-resistant and highly adaptable to pruning

Planting & Care

Select a location receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sun daily to maintain the rich dark foliage color. Prepare your planting hole twice as wide as the root ball, enrich the surrounding soil with compost, and secure the tree upright while backfilling. Apply mulch around the base without touching the stem, then water consistently every other day for the first month until the plant is established. Once mature, water only during extended dry periods. In early spring, feed with a slow-release flowering shrub fertilizer, and add a bloom booster in mid-summer if flowering appears light. Prune lightly to shape the canopy or cut back more aggressively to maintain a bushier form.