Black Diamond Purely Purple Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Purely Purple'
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
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 'Purely Purple', this cultivar is prized for its dramatic, dark black foliage that contrasts beautifully with its vibrant, true purple flowers. It is a prolific bloomer and highly disease resistant.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sun per day.
- Amend soil if necessary to ensure good drainage.
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the plant's container.
- Set the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
- Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently.
- Water deeply after planting and apply a layer of mulch.
Pro Tip
Full sun is non-negotiable for this plant to develop its signature black foliage and abundant purple blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide ample sunlight for the best color.
- Water deeply during establishment and in periods of extreme drought.
- Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape and health.
- Ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Don't
- Do not plant in a shady spot.
- Avoid 'crape murder' by only removing small branches and spent flowers.
- Don't allow the soil to remain waterlogged.
- Avoid frequent, shallow watering.
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Black Diamond Purely Purple Crape Myrtle questions
What zones can Black Diamond Purely Purple Crape Myrtle grow in?
Black Diamond Purely Purple 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 Purely Purple Crape Myrtle deer resistant?
Yes — Black Diamond Purely Purple Crape Myrtle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Black Diamond Purely Purple Crape Myrtle bloom?
Black Diamond Purely Purple 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 Purely Purple Crape Myrtle need full sun?
Black Diamond Purely Purple Crape Myrtle does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Black Diamond Purely Purple Crape Myrtle drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Black Diamond Purely Purple Crape Myrtle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Lagerstroemia to compare
Indian Crapemyrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Tonto'
Northern Belle Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Northern Belle'
Tonto Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Tonto Hardy'
Acoma Crepe Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Acoma'
Crape Myrtle Delta Eclipse
Lagerstroemia indica 'Delta Eclipse'
Crape Myrtle Dark Roast
Lagerstroemia indica 'Dark Roast'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Black Diamond Purely Purple Crape Myrtle with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
