shrub

Ebony and Ivory Crape Myrtle

The Story

Plant Bio

Modern hybrid crape myrtles are bred for unique characteristics, such as compact size, novel foliage color, and enhanced disease resistance, expanding their use in the landscape.

'Ebony and Ivory' offers one of the most dramatic contrasts available, featuring intense, jet-black foliage set against masses of pure white, ruffled flowers. It maintains an upright, vase-like shape.

Uses & Benefits:

Its striking black and white coloration provides a powerful, elegant, and modern aesthetic. It serves as a dramatic focal point in garden beds, borders, and containers throughout the growing season.

This shrub can be used to create a unique and eye-catching deciduous hedge or screen. Its upright habit makes it suitable for narrower spaces where a bold statement is desired.

The bright white flowers are highly visible to pollinators against the dark foliage, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

132 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

High humidity tolerant

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous shrub

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Early fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with at least 8 hours of direct sun for best color.
Ensure the soil is well-drained; crape myrtles hate wet feet.
Dig a hole twice the width of the container.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with soil, water deeply to remove air pockets.
Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

To maximize the dramatic effect, plant it where the dark foliage is backlit by the sun or against a light-colored fence or wall.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full, intense sun.
Water regularly during the first year to establish a deep root system.
Prune in late winter to maintain a desirable shape.
Deadhead spent blooms to potentially encourage a second flush.

Don't

Do not plant in any shade.
Avoid severe pruning or 'crape murder'.
Don't overwater once the plant is established.
Avoid planting in alkaline soils, which can cause nutrient deficiencies.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

High-contrast garden focal pointDramatic foundation planting against light-colored wallsElegant patio container specimen

Companion Plants

Yucca 'Color Guard'Carex 'Ice Dance'Artemisia 'Powis Castle'Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina) Silver Mound (Artemisia schmidtiana 'Nana')

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Ebony and Ivory Crape Myrtle questions

What zones can Ebony and Ivory Crape Myrtle grow in?

Ebony and Ivory Crape Myrtle is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Ebony and Ivory Crape Myrtle deer resistant?

Yes — Ebony and Ivory Crape Myrtle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Ebony and Ivory Crape Myrtle bloom?

Ebony and Ivory Crape Myrtle typically blooms in mid-summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Ebony and Ivory Crape Myrtle need full sun?

Ebony and Ivory Crape Myrtle does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Ebony and Ivory Crape Myrtle drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Ebony and Ivory Crape Myrtle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.