Black Diamond® Crape Myrtles

Visiting the south in the springtime is a real treat for many reasons. Gorgeous sunny days and delicious hearty food are enough to set the heart fluttering but the true prize of spring in the south is the abundance of Crape Myrtles on full display.

The growers at J. Berry Nursery discovered a variety that was gifted distinctive and mesmerizing black foliage by Mother Nature. Keeping that, along with the jewel-colored flowers that bloom each year, in mind, the growers named their collection Black Diamond.

These trees come with a built-in effortlessness that isn't often seen in stunning trees like this. They're heat and drought tolerant and keep themselves growing in a tight, compact, habit.

From the moment the leaves flush out in the spring to the day they retire for the cooler winter months, they keep their riveting black color. Other plants may suffer from fading but not these resilient over-achievers!

Turn your front garden into a show-stopping affair or your mailbox into a statement piece with a Black Diamond® Red Hot™ Crape Myrtle. The bold red blooms and the black-leaved background are sure to turn some heads.

You could keep it lighter and more casual with a Black Diamond® Shell Pink™ Crape Myrtle. The pastel pink flowers welcome the arrival of spring like no other. Not to mention the pollinators will flutter from near and far for a chance at a quick taste of nectar!

Start your journey to having the best front yard on the block with the Black Diamond Crape Myrtle collection. Make sure to check back often to see what other varieties J. Berry Nursery has in store!

How to Use Crape Myrtles in the Landscape

These trees live by the saying, "less is more." They pack their entire experience and beauty into a compact ten or twelve-foot form in most cases. Depending on your preferred garden style, they could be used in a variety of ways.

Perhaps your front entrance is in need of a splash of color to make the perfect first impression? A Purely Purple™ Crape Myrtle on either side is just what the horticulturist ordered.

Spice up your back patio by planting one on the edge to separate your entertainment area from the yard, or to give you some privacy from the neighbors. They'll be just as excited as you are by the flower power come spring.

Order a variety of colors to group together in a mass planting like no other. Pinks, reds, purples, and magentas skillfully walk the line between classy and trendsetting.

Even when the tree isn't in full bloom, its unique coloring and frilly texture will add depth and dexterity to landscapes when paired with bright evergreens and tall maple trees.

Imagine the crimson red fall foliage next to the evergreens both complimented by the starkly dark leaves of a crape myrtle.

#ProPlantTips for Care

The best way to ensure growing success is to locate the best planting site for your new tree. While it is powdery mildew resistant, planting somewhere the leaves will receive plenty of morning sunlight and excellent air circulation is a great way to keep that pesky disease away.

Full sun and well drained soil will also make your crape myrtle happy. If you'd like, apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in the mid-summer.

If you're looking to improve the drainage of your preferred planting site, try a raised bed or create a mound to plant in reaching approximately 18 inches higher than the ground around it.

In warm climates like those found in zones 7 through 10, this tree is surprisingly easy to grow seeing as it's drought tolerant once established.

If you live in zone 6 you can treat your crape myrtle like a perennial that will regrow each year from the roots.

We suggest that if you live in colder zones, try planting your crape myrtle in a container on your patio. Then, as winter sets in, move inside to a protected garage. It'll act like a perennial and you will still get those one-of-a-kind blooms each year!