Species

Lagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

25 other cultivars

shrub

Black Diamond Best Red Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica 'Best Red'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lagerstroemia, or Crape Myrtle, are deciduous shrubs or small trees celebrated for their large, showy panicles of flowers in summer, attractive exfoliating bark, and good drought tolerance.

Marketed as Black Diamond 'Best Red', this cultivar is revolutionary for its stunning, flawless black foliage that provides a dramatic contrast to its profuse, brilliant red flowers. It is also highly disease resistant.

Uses & Benefits:

The primary benefit is the stunning visual contrast between the true black foliage and the vibrant red flowers. It provides a dramatic, high-impact look in the landscape from spring until frost.

It can be used as a deciduous screen or hedge that offers significant visual interest. Its moderate size makes it suitable for smaller urban gardens or as a 'thriller' in large container plantings.

The flowers are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. Crape Myrtles also provide nesting sites for some bird species when they reach a larger size.

SpeciesLagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

132 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

High humidity tolerant

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous shrub

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Early fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.
Ensure the soil is well-drained; amend if necessary.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole, keeping the root flare at soil level.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Plant in full, all-day sun to achieve the darkest foliage color and the most prolific blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best flowering and foliage color.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots.
Prune in late winter to encourage new growth, where flowers form.
Remove suckers from the base to maintain a clean shape.

Don't

Do not plant in shade; it will result in poor flowering and green foliage.
Avoid severe pruning known as 'crape murder'; it creates weak growth.
Don't over-fertilize with nitrogen, which promotes leaves over flowers.
Avoid poor air circulation, which can encourage disease on less-resistant varieties.

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

Dramatic dark-leaved specimen plantVibrant summer-long flowering hedgeStunning focal point in a large container

Companion Plants

Pennisetum 'Rubrum'Loropetalum chinense Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Spiraea 'Goldmound'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Black Diamond Best Red Crape Myrtle questions

What zones can Black Diamond Best Red Crape Myrtle grow in?

Black Diamond Best Red 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 Black Diamond Best Red Crape Myrtle deer resistant?

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

When does Black Diamond Best Red Crape Myrtle bloom?

Black Diamond Best Red 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 Black Diamond Best Red Crape Myrtle need full sun?

Black Diamond Best Red Crape Myrtle does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Black Diamond Best Red Crape Myrtle drought tolerant?

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