Black Diamond Best Red Crape Myrtle

Plant something different than your neighbor. This stunning new crape myrtle variety has black leaves that pop against its deep red blooms. Most crape myrtles have medium green leaves with flowers. They are showy but not like this one! This crape myrtle is branded by Black Diamond and is very unique.

Enjoy a steady growth rate reaching heights of 10-12 feet tall and about 6-8 feet wide. Great tree for a smaller garden or courtyard area.

• Drought tolerant
• Low maintenance
• Highly resistant to mildew 

Be sure you choose the right location and have the appropriate conditions for your new Black Diamond Best Red Crape Myrtle to thrive. Luckily Crape Myrtles are pretty easy to grow and don't require much maintenance at all. If you follow growing zone guidelines for your particular variety you can plant your crape myrtle just about any time of year. Black Diamond Best Red Crape Myrtles grow in zones 7-10. We do recommend to avoid planting when temperatures are above 85 degrees.

These trees prefer full sun, but can tolerate some shade and are adaptable to just about any soil as long as it is well-draining. Crape Myrtles do enjoy a slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.0 or 6.5 being ideal, but as long as your soil isn't extremely alkaline there is no need to modify it. Mulching with a 2-3 inch layer of pine straw or pine bark is ideal for crape myrtles. Do not allow the mulch to touch the trunk as these increases the chances of pests and disease. Mulching helps keep soil moist and protects roots during temperature extremes. Crape Myrtles should be watered deeply about 2 times per week after planting for about 3 months. After this establishment period, water deeply about once weekly when conditions are dry. Crape Myrtles are drought tolerant once established. Fertilize in early spring and when planting to give your tree a boost and help it achieve the best blooms. Choose a balanced, slow release fertilizer. If you know your soil is on the basic side choose a fertilizer that is for acid loving plants. Crape Myrtles do not generally require pruning, but if needed, prune when they are dormant to remove any dead, dying, or crowded branches. Avoid the need to over prune your tree by choosing a variety that fits best in your chosen spot. You can choose a variety that is only 5 feet tall up to varieties that grow over 30 feet tall. Black Diamond Crape Myrtles grow up to 12 feet tall and about 8 feet wide.

The best way to prevent disease and pests is by providing the appropriate care for your plants. Proper location choice, watering and fertilization are the keys to your success. There are not many pests or diseases that cause severe problems for crape myrtles. Aphids are one of the few pests that attack crape myrtles. Minor infections aren't likely to cause problems, but a severe infection can weaken your tree. You can treat aphids naturally with horticultural oil, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. For severe infections use pesticides like carbaryl, also known as Sevin. Black Diamond Crape varieties are extremely resistant to Powdery Mildew.

Landscape Ideas

Plant this crape myrtle up your driveway, or around your patio in your back yard. The colors are so different that your landscaping will really set itself apart from the rest. Looking for a flowering tree? Plant this crape myrtle every 6 feet and have a beautiful flowering hedge.

Try alternating Best Red with the Black Diamond Pure White for a stunning hedge or row. The colorful twins complement each color.

The Best Red looks stunning even at night! Up-lighting this tree creates a dramatic and colorful look at night that everyone will be asking about.

Learn when to prune your flowering shrubs.

For additional options, be sure to browse the Black Diamond Crape Myrtle, Crape Myrtle and Dwarf Tree collections.