shrub

Moonlight Magic 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.

'Moonlight Magic' offers a superb contrast with its deep maroon foliage that serves as a dramatic backdrop for large, pure white flowers. It has a dense, upright habit, making it useful for narrower spaces.

Uses & Benefits:

The elegant contrast between the deep maroon foliage and the pure white flowers provides a sophisticated and striking look. Its upright form adds a vertical element to garden designs without taking up a lot of horizontal space.

Its narrow, upright habit makes it an ideal choice for creating a formal hedge, a privacy screen in a narrow side yard, or for planting in large, upright containers to flank a doorway.

The large, bright white flowers are highly visible to pollinators against the dark leaves, making them an effective attractant for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 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

Choose a site that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun.
Amend heavy soils with compost to improve drainage.
Dig a hole twice the width of the plant's container.
Set the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill the hole, firming the soil gently.
Water deeply after planting and mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

Its naturally upright and narrow habit makes it an excellent choice for framing an entryway or for use in tight side yards.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for the best foliage color and abundant flowers.
Water regularly during the first growing season.
Prune lightly in winter to enhance its natural upright form.
Ensure good air circulation around the plant.

Don't

Do not plant in shade, as it will lose its dark foliage color.
Avoid severe pruning or 'crape murder'.
Don't let the soil stay consistently wet.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can reduce flowering.

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

Elegant high-contrast specimen plantFlowering screen for narrow spacesDramatic backdrop for perennial borders

Companion Plants

Artemisia 'Silver Mound'Stachys byzantina (Lamb's Ear)Cerastium tomentosum (Snow-in-Summer)Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'Buxus 'Winter Gem'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Moonlight Magic Crape Myrtle questions

What zones can Moonlight Magic Crape Myrtle grow in?

Moonlight Magic Crape Myrtle is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Moonlight Magic Crape Myrtle deer resistant?

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

When does Moonlight Magic Crape Myrtle bloom?

Moonlight Magic 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 Moonlight Magic Crape Myrtle need full sun?

Moonlight Magic Crape Myrtle does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Moonlight Magic Crape Myrtle drought tolerant?

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