First Editions® Lunar Magic® Crape Myrtle

First Editions® Lunar Magic® Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica 'Baillagone') is a fantastic new flower color offering among other near-black-leafed Crape Myrtle shrubs! Dark leaves, and white blooms, these are fantastic mid-sized ornamentals that are fast-growing and compact!

Brilliant white crepe-papery blossoms of Lunar Magic® are frilly florets with vibrant yellow centers for a radiant display against the dark purple foliage. Appearing near-black, the juxtaposition of light and dark is truly eye-catching! Entice jewel-toned Hummingbirds and butterflies who will love them as much as you will!

First Editions® Crape Myrtles are hardy throughout USDA planting zones 7 to 9 and grow into oval 7-9 feet in height but just 5-7 feet in width. These glossy leafed shrubs bloom with abandon all summer, then with some deadhead, you'll continue to enjoy brilliant white blossoms right up til frost!

Planting and Application:

Lunar Magic® is a versatile and easy-care option to use throughout your landscape. You'll gain a fabulous backdrop for entertaining, and a valuable nectar source for butterflies. Create an upscale specimen tree-from by removing the lower limbs and exposing the lovely, smooth bark to keep it as a tiny accent tree!

Or, allow the lower branches to grow to the ground for a perfect privacy screen. This high-performing shrub draws your eye, whether you use several planted together to make an informal naturally shaped hedge or keep it trimmed for a formal hedge. The dark foliage highlights everything else planted before it! You'll have trouble deciding whether you want to plant Lunar Magic® in your Moon Garden or your Gothic Garden!

Even Northern gardeners in Zones 3, 4, and 5 can easily grow them as seasonal "Thrillers" in planters. You'll get a designer look that stands out. You can prune Crape Myrtle to fit into your favorite large decorative container. Use a series of high-end containers to decorate your patio, pool deck, or front porch!

• Ruffled, Bright White Flowers for Months!
• Dark Purple to Near-Black Foliage Is Glossy
• Hummingbird & Pollinator Magnets!
• Versatile Tree or Shrub Form
• Annual/Seasonal Accent In Cold Climates
• Perfect in Containers, Outstanding Specimen & Effective Flowering Privacy Screen

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Crape Myrtles need full sun, and morning sun is preferred because it will dry off the foliage from any overnight dew quickly. Plant in well-drained soil, and if that isn't available and you see puddles that remain a long time after rain, create a raised bed or use them in containers. When your shrubs are young, keep them well-hydrated by using the Finger Test. Move to a weekly soaking after a month, and keep it up the first season.

We recommend you give shrubs good air circulation. Plant at least 15 feet away from structures, so the air can play through its branches. Apply a three-inch layer of pine straw or pine bark mulch. Pull the mulch at least six inches away to ensure that the mulch doesn't touch the stems.

All Crape Myrtles flowers on new wood. This is great, because it means that even heavy pruning in late winter or early spring will not affect this season's flowers. Learn how to avoid Crape-murder when pruning your Crape Myrtle. Deadhead after flowers fade to encourage new blooms and extend your flowering season, and wait until late winter or early spring to prune for size and shape.

In Zone 6, this plant may need to be treated like a perennial. Cut it down to the ground each spring and enjoy the new growth from the roots. It can reach three feet high by the season's end.

• Full Sun
• Well-Drained Soil
• Regular Moisture Then Low Once Established
• Blooms On New Wood - Prune When Dormant
• Deer, Disease & Pest Resistant