Black Diamond? Best Red? Crape Myrtle Tree - Lagerstroemia

Black Diamond® Best Red™ Crape Myrtle Tree (Lagerstroemia)

This stunning crape myrtle variety delivers eye-catching deep crimson flowers that truly stand out against its distinctive dark, silvery-gray foliage. The striking contrast between blooms and leaves makes this one of the most visually impressive flowering trees available for residential landscapes. When you buy Black Diamond® Best Red™ Crape Myrtle online from Florida Plant Nursery, you're investing in a hardy, low-maintenance specimen that flowers prolifically from late spring through fall.

Landscaping Uses

This versatile tree works beautifully as a focal point near entryways, along driveways, or as part of mixed garden beds and borders. Its moderate size makes it suitable for most landscape settings, and it thrives in full-sun locations with well-draining soil. In colder climates, you can also grow it in containers and move it indoors during winter months, making it adaptable to zones 2 through 5.

Specifications

Height: 12 feet at maturity
Width: Variable
Growth Rate: Fast
Sun: 6–8 hours daily
Water: Drought tolerant once established
Soil: Well-draining
USDA Zones: 6–11 (hardy to 0°F; containerizable for zones 2–5)

Why Homeowners Love It

• Brilliant crimson blooms paired with unique dark foliage create exceptional visual interest
• Requires minimal maintenance once established in the landscape
• Naturally resistant to powdery mildew and other common plant diseases
• Exceptionally cold-hardy and drought-tolerant, making it a resilient choice for varied climates

Planting & Care

Select a location receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight and prepare a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball but equal in depth. Gently loosen the roots before positioning the tree so the root crown sits level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, water thoroughly to settle the soil, and apply mulch around the base to retain moisture. Young trees benefit from regular watering during hot weather, though mature plants become drought-tolerant and require minimal supplemental irrigation. Once established, this variety demands little fertilizer or pruning to perform beautifully year after year.