The Black Diamond Mystic Magenta Crape Myrtle is a popular ornamental plant known for its striking foliage, vibrant blooms, and relatively easy care. It is a favored choice for various landscaping applications, appealing to both seasoned gardeners and those new to horticulture.
Distinctive Features
The Black Diamond Mystic Magenta Crape Myrtle stands out with its exceptionally dark, almost black foliage, which provides a dramatic contrast for its vibrant, iridescent magenta-purple flowers. These abundant flower clusters emerge from summer into fall.
This crape myrtle grows compactly and upright, reaching 10 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. It has a moderate growth rate, growing 2 to 4 feet annually. The Black Diamond series is also noted for its hardiness and resistance to powdery mildew and other diseases.
Planting Guidelines
For optimal growth, select a location with full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant flowering. While adaptable to various soil types, well-draining soil is preferred, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Amending heavy clay soils with compost can improve drainage.
Plant in spring after the last frost, avoiding temperature extremes. When preparing the planting hole, dig it at least twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil line. Gently loosen roots, place the plant, then backfill with soil, tamping lightly to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil. Space multiple plants 6 to 10 feet apart for proper growth, or about 6 feet apart for a dense hedge.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Established plants need consistent full sun for vibrant blooms and dark foliage. Once established, these plants are drought-tolerant, but they benefit from deep, infrequent watering, especially during dry periods. Young plants need more frequent watering, about twice weekly for the first two to three months, to develop strong roots.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth appears to support vigorous growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilization, which can promote foliage over flowers.
Pruning should occur in late winter or early spring while the plant is dormant. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches, and prune to maintain desired shape and size. Minimal pruning is often sufficient; heavy topping can ruin its natural form. Remove suckers from the base or roots to maintain a tree-like shape. Apply a 4 to 6-inch layer of mulch, like pine bark, around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it a few inches from the trunk.
Common Issues and Solutions
Though generally robust, Black Diamond Mystic Magenta Crape Myrtles can face some issues. They resist powdery mildew and leaf spot. However, occasional pests like aphids can be managed with appropriate controls.
Lack of blooms often stems from insufficient sunlight. Improper pruning, particularly pruning at the wrong time or “crape murder” (severe topping), can also reduce flowering, as crape myrtles bloom on new wood. Over-fertilization, particularly with high-nitrogen fertilizers, can promote leafy growth over flowers. Poor growth or discolored leaves may indicate nutrient deficiencies or improper watering; ensure consistent moisture during dry spells and balanced fertilization. Leggy growth can be remedied through strategic pruning for a more compact form.