shrub

Midnight 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.

'Midnight Magic' is a compact, rounded shrub featuring deep maroon-black foliage that holds its color well in the sun. It produces abundant clusters of dark pink flowers, creating a rich, dramatic, and moody color palette.

Uses & Benefits:

The combination of deep, dark foliage and vibrant dark pink flowers creates a lush, high-end look. Its compact, mounding habit makes it versatile for use in borders, mass plantings, or as a standalone accent.

Its smaller size makes it suitable for a wide range of garden applications, including foundation plantings, low hedges, and large containers, where larger crape myrtles would not fit.

The bright flowers are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, providing a food source throughout the summer blooming season.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60 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 location in full sun for the best foliage color and flowering.
Ensure the soil is fertile and well-drained.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot.
Gently place the plant in the hole, with the root flare at soil level.
Backfill with soil and water in well.
Mulch around the base, keeping it away from the stems.

Pro Tip

Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for a dramatic 'thriller' in a large mixed container arrangement.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Water regularly until established, then during dry periods.
Prune in late winter to maintain its compact, bushy shape.
Deadhead spent flowers to promote continued blooming.

Don't

Do not plant in shade, as foliage will turn green and flowering will be sparse.
Avoid frequent, light watering; water deeply instead.
Don't prune heavily late in the season.
Avoid letting the soil become waterlogged.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Compact dark-leaved accent for small spacesStunning and colorful mass plantingFlowering low hedge for borders

Companion Plants

Heuchera 'Citronelle'Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold'Spiraea 'Goldflame'Sedum 'Angelina'Ipomoea batatas 'Margarita' (Sweet Potato Vine)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Midnight Magic Crape Myrtle questions

What zones can Midnight Magic Crape Myrtle grow in?

Midnight 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 Midnight Magic Crape Myrtle deer resistant?

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

When does Midnight Magic Crape Myrtle bloom?

Midnight 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 Midnight Magic Crape Myrtle need full sun?

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

Is Midnight Magic Crape Myrtle drought tolerant?

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