The Black Diamond® Purely Purple™ Crape Myrtle is prized for its profusion of vibrant purple flowers, which contrast beautifully with its dark purple to almost black foliage. The blooms appear in mid to late summer and continue into early fall, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden. The foliage retains its rich color throughout the growing season, adding ornamental interest even when not in bloom. This variety typically has a compact, upright growth habit, making it suitable for smaller gardens or as a focal point in landscape plantings. However, they can be pruned to maintain a smaller size if desired. The plant has a rounded to vase-shaped form, with multiple stems arising from the base. Regular pruning can help promote a more compact growth habit and encourage abundant flowering. The Purely Purple is exceptionally versatile. It works well as a focal point in small gardens, a flowering hedge (plant them 5–6 feet apart for a solid screen), or even in a large container on a patio.
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Scientific Name
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Lagerstroemia indica 'Purely Purple' |
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Foliage: Deciduous
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Leaves: The foliage is a glossy, deep burgundy to black. In spring, the new leaves have a copper or bronze tint, and in the fall, they transition to a rich maroon or burgundy before dropping.
Flowers: Large, frilly clusters of amethyst-purple blooms. They appear on "new wood," meaning pruning in late winter won't stop them from flowering.
Bark: Smooth and light tan or gray. As the tree matures, it revealsruby-red branches that add an extra layer of color in the winter.
Seeds: Small, round woody capsules that start green/purple and dry to a chocolate brown. They stay on the tree through winter and provide interest even after the leaves are gone.
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Mature Height
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10-12 feet |
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Mature Width (Spread)
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6-8 feet |
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Growth Rate
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Moderate (1-2 feet per year once established) |
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USDA Zone
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6–10 (In Zone 6, it may die back to the ground in winter but will typically regrow and bloom as a perennial) |
Plant Care & Characteristics
Light Requirements: Full Sun (6–8 hours). Intense sun is needed to keep the leaves black and maximize flower production.
Water Requirements: Moderate. Water deeply 2 times per week after planting for the first 3 months. Once established, water once weekly during dry spells. Be careful not to over-water, as they are susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.
Drought Resistance: High. Very resilient to heat and dry conditions once the root system is mature.
Soil Type: Adaptable. Thrives in well-drained clay, loam, or sandy soils with a slightly acidic pH (5.0–6.5). Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and flowering. Mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Deer Resistance: High. Generally avoided by deer, making it a safe choice for open landscapes.
Maintenance: Pruning Crape Myrtles is typically done in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and encourage new growth. You can also selectively prune to shape the plant or remove any crossing or crowded branches. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can reduce flowering and promote sucker growth. Deadheading spent flowers can prolong the blooming period and encourage additional blooms later in the season.
