Black Diamond Crepe Myrtle

Black diamond crepe myrtle

The Black Diamond® crape myrtle tends to reach a mature height between 10-12 feet with a 4 to 5 foot spread.

How much sun does a black diamond crape myrtle need?

Full sun is the ideal condition for this shrub, meaning it should get at least 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. Crape myrtle grows in a wide range of soils from slightly alkaline to acidic. It prefers moist, well-drained sites but has some drought tolerance.

How long does it take for a black diamond crepe myrtle to bloom?

3. Bloom time can vary by 6-8 weeks depending on your variety of crape myrtle. Flower blossoms develop on new growth, so while each variety varies in its exact bloom time, flowering can also depend on the pruning you did in winter.

Do black diamond crepe myrtles lose their leaves?

My Black Diamond lost ALL leaves, is it dead? Black Diamond Crapemyrtles naturally will go dormant over the winter. By late this April/early May, you should start to see buds emerge from the dormant wood. Even the wood that appears “dead” and dry will sprout new foliage.

Where should you not plant a crape myrtle?

Don't plant Crape Myrtles in shade. Crape Myrtles perform their best in 6+ hours of blistering full sun per day. Even light shade at various times during the day will greatly reduce flowering, cause the tree to appear thin, and force it to reach for the sun, creating a leggy look.

What is the most beautiful crape myrtle?

Top 5 Crape Myrtle Tree Varieties

Tuscarora Crape Myrtle. Maturing to a height of around 20 feet, the Tuscarora Crape Myrtle is known by its signature coral, pink blooms.
Muskogee Crape Myrtle. ...
Natchez Crape Myrtle. ...
Arapaho Crape Myrtle. ...
Black Diamond Crape Myrtle.

What is the best time of year to plant crape myrtle?

Although you can plant them at almost any time, the ideal time to plant a new crape myrtle is in early spring. You should ensure the last freeze has passed before planting and provide ample time for your new tree to mature before winter.

How far should crepe myrtle be planted from house?

Plant large type crape myrtles a minimum of 6ft away from a structure (house, etc). To create a look where the canopies of the plants will grow together and provide shade, plant Medium Crape Myrtles 6'-10' apart, and Standard (Tree) Crape Myrtles 8'-12' apart.

Which crape myrtle is the hardiest?

Tonto Hardy Crape Myrtle Plant. Tougher than its Southern cousin, Tonto Hardy Crape Myrtle Tree tolerates subzero temperatures. Like other crape myrtles, this deciduous shrub provides months of interest in the landscape.

Are black diamond crepe myrtles fast growing?

How Fast do Black Diamond Crape Myrtles Grow? A Black Diamond Crape Myrtle tree can grow 2 to 4 feet in a single year. Once they get to mature height the trunks and branches grow thicker, but the trees stay around 12 feet tall.

How do you protect Black Diamond crape myrtle in winter?

It is advisable to wrap young (1 year or less) and small Crepe Myrtle trees. Wrap burlap around the branches and then add an insulating filler such as leaves or straw to provide additional protection. Use bush jackets for dwarf plants. Bush jackets are reusable insulating covers that cover the plant.

Should I prune my crepe myrtle every year?

Pruning to Maintain Size If you have a large crepe myrtle tree growing in a position that doesn't accommodate its size, then you'll need to undertake annual pruning to keep it at a manageable size. The best practice to ensure good shape and health is to remove all of the tips of the tree.

What happens if you dont prune crepe myrtles?

It should also be noted that some types of crape myrtles, if left unpruned, can be expected to produce the most flowers. As the degree of pruning increases, the number of flowers tends to decrease. However, the flower clusters in pruned crape myrtles tend to be larger than those from unpruned plants.

Do crepe myrtles have destructive roots?

The crepe myrtle root system will not harm your foundation. The crepe myrtle root system can extend a considerable distance, but the roots are not aggressive. The roots are relatively weak and will not insert themselves into nearby foundations, sidewalks or endanger nearly plants.

Do crepe myrtles have invasive roots?

Crape myrtle do not have invasive root systems, which may be one reason they are used as sidewalk margin trees. They don't lift the sidewalks as so many other trees do. And their beautiful fall color is another reward.

How far from fence should I plant crepe myrtle?

Setting Out Your Planting If you are planting against a fence, plant at least three feet from the fence, not right up against it, or your plants will not be bushy right to the ground. For a more solid screen you can even plant a double row, staggering the plants in each row.

What is the lifespan of a crape myrtle?

Lifespan – When planted in full sun and fertile soil, Crepe Myrtles can live well beyond 50 years. In fact, dotted along the southeastern landscape, it is common to come across specimens over 100 years old.

Can a crepe myrtle be planted next to a house?

Crape myrtle and yaupon roots probably would never get large enough to lift a foundation. They could, however, possibly damage a thinner layer of concrete such as a sidewalk, were they planted only a couple of feet away.

What is the longest blooming crape myrtle?

If you are looking for the longest bloom time look to the lavender purple Muskogee or the white Natchez. You will enjoy flowers for months! The Muskogee is also one the few Crape Myrtles that is recommended into a zone 11.

What's the fastest growing crape myrtle?

Basham's Party Pink is the fastest growing Crape Myrtle Tree we have ever seen. It is not unusual for Basham's Party Pink to grow 12 to 15 feet per year! It is a very full upright tree that grows to 30ft+ tall with a 20ft+ canopy. Its flowers can best be described as a pale pinkish with light lavender undertones.