The Allure of Purple Crepe Myrtle
If you’re looking for a striking, low-maintenance plant that delivers color from spring through fall, the Purple Crepe Myrtle deserves a spot in your landscape. These unique cultivars combine the classic beauty of crape myrtle blooms with dramatic, dark foliage for season-long interest. Here’s everything you need to know to grow and enjoy this garden standout.
What is a Purple-Leafed Crape Myrtle?
The purple-leafed crape myrtle is a cultivar of Lagerstroemia indica or its hybrids, bred specifically for their deep burgundy to near-black foliage. Unlike traditional green-leafed varieties, these crape myrtles offer a bold contrast even before their vibrant flowers appear. Popular examples include the ‘Black Diamond’ and ‘Magic’ series, which feature purple leaves and blooms in shades from white to deep magenta.
Why Purple-Leafed Crape Myrtle Matters
-
Season-long Color: The foliage emerges deep purple in spring and holds its color through summer heat, providing a dramatic backdrop for the plant’s signature crinkled flowers.
-
Low Maintenance: Like all crape myrtles, these cultivars are tough, drought-tolerant once established, and resistant to many pests and diseases.
-
Versatile Landscaping: Their compact size and upright habit make them ideal for small gardens, urban landscapes, or as specimen plants in larger beds.
“Crape myrtle is ideally suited for formal or informal design in the home landscape, street plantings and community plantings. It can be planted as a specimen or in groups, and looks attractive when underplanted with a ground cover; the dark green of the groundcover contrasts well with the handsome bark.”
How to Grow and Care for Purple-Leafed Crape Myrtle
1. Choose the Right Location
-
Sunlight: Plant in full sun (at least 6 hours daily) for the best foliage color and abundant blooms.
-
Soil: Prefers well-draining soil; slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.0) is ideal.
-
Space: Allow enough room for mature size-most purple-leafed varieties reach 8–12 feet tall and 6–8 feet wide, but dwarf forms are available for containers or tight spaces.
2. Planting Steps
-
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
-
Amend the native soil with compost for better drainage and fertility.
-
Place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
-
Backfill, water deeply, and apply 2–3 inches of mulch around (but not touching) the trunk610.
3. Watering & Feeding
-
Water deeply 1–2 times per week during the first growing season. Once established, water only during prolonged dry spells.
-
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and blooms.
4. Pruning
-
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove suckers, crossing branches, and spent flowers to maintain shape and promote flowering.
-
Avoid “topping” the tree, which weakens structure and reduces bloom quality.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Planting in shade: Results in poor leaf color and fewer blooms.
-
Overwatering or poorly drained soil: Can cause root rot.
-
Excessive fertilizing: Promotes leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Additional Tips & Best Practices
-
Disease Prevention: Purple-leafed crape myrtles are generally resistant to powdery mildew, but good air circulation and full sun help prevent issues.
-
Winter Protection: In colder zones, mulch heavily in late fall and consider burlap wraps for young plants.
-
Container Growing: Dwarf varieties thrive in large pots with quality potting mix and ample sun.
Closing: The Lasting Appeal of Purple-Leafed Crape Myrtle
Purple-leafed crape myrtles offer more than just stunning flowers, they bring bold, season-long color and structure to any garden. With proper planting and care, these dramatic shrubs or small trees will reward you with years of beauty and minimal fuss.
Ready to add drama to your landscape? Explore more crape myrtle varieties, or check out our guides on sun-loving companion plants to complete your garden design!
