Brighter Blooms Black Diamond® Best Red™ Crape Myrtle Tree

Dramatic Red Flowers on Black Leaves

The introduction of Black Diamond® Best Red™ Crape Myrtle marked a breakthrough in Crape breeding programs. This trendsetting plant has turned the gardening world upside-down with its dramatic look, which gives it an incomparable presence in the landscape. For starters, it’s got:

• Long-lasting red blooms that look vibrant from May until November.
• Unique black foliage plus blooms don’t fade in the fall.
• A mature height that grows to only 10 to 12 feet, fitting in compact spaces.

Imagine this rich contrast from spring through autumn. The color of Black Diamond Crape Myrtle’s foliage is a rich burgundy-black, which is not a brief seasonal coloration. The leaves retain their deep color all season long – from spring through fall!

And its striking scarlet flowers won’t fade either. If you like red flowers, you’ll be impressed by these stunning blossoms. It earned the name ‘Best Red’ because the color is so bright and clear. Individual crinkly flowers are small, but they are produced in large clusters, which are quite showy.

Even better is its superior garden traits. The Black Diamond® Crape Myrtle is bred from three different species of crape myrtles – no small feat in the world of breeding. In fact, one of Black Diamond®’s plant parents was the first crape myrtle cultivar successfully hybridized from three different species – meaning you get the best of them all, including resistance to disease, humidity, and cold temperatures down to 0 degrees.

From containers on your porch to borders along your driveway, Black Diamond® makes an unmatched statement. It attracts graceful wildlife like hummingbirds and butterflies, and it attracts questions from guests and neighbors who will marvel at your unbelievable tree!

And the best part is there’s no hassle for you. Because we’ve planted, grown and shipped your Black Diamond® Best Red™ with unparalleled care, you get a tree that’s ready to thrive as soon as it arrives at your door.

But hurry – you won’t find this specimen at big-box garden centers. Get your Black Diamond® Best Red™ today!

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Select a location with full sun (6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily) and well-drained soil. Once you’ve found your area, dig a hole large enough to accommodate your tree’s root ball.

Then, loosen the roots, place your tree in its hole, and backfill the soil. Finally, water the surrounding area and mulch to conserve moisture.

2. Watering: Established plants are remarkably drought-tolerant, but newly transplanted trees need more attention. Make sure after it rains (or when you water with a garden hose) that the soil drains well. If you’re not sure when to water, simply check the surrounding soil about 2 to 3 inches down for dryness.

3. Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring as the new growth is emerging.

4. Pruning: You won’t have to prune Black Diamond Best Red Crape Myrtle trees to prompt them to produce flowers. If you want to shape your plant to keep it smaller as a shrub-form instead of simply allowing its natural growth as a small tree to take center stage, it’s best to prune it in February.