Crape Myrtle - Black Diamond® Mystic Magenta

Directions for Planting and Care

Planting and caring for your Crape Myrtle - Black Diamond® Mystic Magenta is an easy and rewarding process, allowing you to enjoy its vibrant blooms and striking foliage with minimal effort.

Planting

Select the Right Location: Choose a sunny spot for your Crape Myrtle - Black Diamond® Mystic Magenta, as it thrives in full sun. The more sunlight it receives, the more vibrant its magenta-pink flowers will be.

Prepare the Soil: Ensure the soil is well-draining and slightly acidic to neutral. If your soil is heavy or dense, amend it with organic matter such as compost to improve drainage and root development.

Dig a Proper Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and approximately the same depth. This will give the roots plenty of room to spread out and establish a strong foundation.

Plant the Tree: Gently remove the tree from its container and place the root ball in the center of the hole, ensuring the top of the root system is level with the surrounding ground. Backfill the hole with the original soil and tamp it down gently to eliminate air pockets.

Water Thoroughly: After planting, water the tree thoroughly to settle the soil and provide moisture to the roots.

Care

Mulching: Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Regular Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells, until the tree is well-established. Once mature, this variety is drought-tolerant but still benefits from occasional deep watering.

Pruning: Prune your Crape Myrtle in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and encourage healthy new growth. This helps the tree maintain its shape and promotes better flowering.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as the new growth begins to emerge. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

The Crape Myrtle - Black Diamond® Mystic Magenta is a showstopper in any garden with its striking black foliage and vibrant magenta-pink blooms. Its versatility, ease of care, and low-maintenance nature make it the perfect choice for planting as a specimen, hedge, or in containers on your patio or deck.