Plant Quick Guide

Growing Zones:

7-9.

Mature Height:

10-12 ft

Mature Width:

6-8 ft

Sunlight:

Full (6-8 hours)

Spacing:

4-5 ft

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Flower Color:

Red

Does Not Ship To:

AK, AZ, CA, HI, PR

Crape Myrtle - Black Diamond® Red Hot

Lagerstroemia indica
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9.
$54.95
SKU: CRMBRH03G
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Description

The Black Diamond® Red Hot Crape Myrtle is a stunning variety that features the first true dark-leafed crape myrtles. The blooms start off as a bright white before transitioning to a fiery red, offering a dramatic contrast to the deep hues of its dark foliage. The vibrant red flowers reach their peak productivity in the summer and fall, providing months of striking color. With an intermediate growth habit, the Red Hot Black Diamond reaches 10–12 feet tall and spreads 6–8 feet wide, making it ideal for specimen planting or mass plantings. Whether used for lining driveways or planted in a container on your deck or patio, this crape myrtle adds bold beauty wherever it's placed.

Unique Features:

  • Bright Red Blooms: Start white, transitioning to fiery red, offering a vibrant contrast to dark leaves.
  • Dark Foliage: Deep black foliage provides a dramatic backdrop to the vivid flowers.
  • Intermediate Growth Habit: Reaches 10–12 feet tall with a spread of 6–8 feet, perfect for hedges or specimen plantings.
  • Low-Maintenance: Drought-tolerant, mildew-resistant, and easy to care for once established.

Mature Size:

  • Height: 10–12 feet
  • Spread: 6–8 feet

USDA Hardiness Zones:

  • Zones 7–9

Care Instructions:

  • Light: Requires full sun for optimal growth and vibrant blooms.
  • Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
  • Water: Water regularly during dry periods, but once established, this tree is drought-tolerant.
  • Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and shape the tree.
  • Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote strong growth and flowering.
  • Pests/Disease: Mildew-resistant and generally pest-free, though occasional aphids or scale may appear.
  • Spacing: Space trees 6–8 feet apart for optimal growth and air circulation.

The Black Diamond® Red Hot Crape Myrtle is a bold addition to any landscape, with its striking red blooms and dark foliage creating a stunning contrast. Its easy care and long-lasting beauty make it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to add color and elegance to their outdoor space.


FAQ: What is the difference between the reds in the Black Diamond® Collection?

Red Hot™-We have found Red Hot™ to naturally prefer to take on more of an upright tree-form. The bloom color is the darkest red of the Black Diamond® collection.
Crimson Red™- We have found Crimson Red™ to naturally take on a shrubbier habit. The bloom color is the brightest red in the Black Diamond® crape myrtle collection.
Best Red™-We have found the growth habit and bloom color of Best Red™ to be right between Crimson Red™ and Red Hot™. Best Red™ is also one of the earliest bloomers of the collection.

MORE INFORMATION: Crape Myrtle Growing Guide
Shipping
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Ships from Oregon

At Plant Me Green, we carefully handle, package, and ship every order to ensure your plants arrive healthy and ready to thrive. All orders ship via FedEx Home Delivery®, typically the next business day after checkout.

  • We offer $15 flat-rate shipping on all eligible orders.
  • Orders over $100 ship FREE.
  • Replacement tree shipments are $15 per box.

Plant Me Green ships from multiple nursery locations, including Oregon, Tennessee, and Florida. If your order contains items from more than one location, plants may ship separately and arrive at different times.

🚨 Please note: We are unable to hold orders. To ensure your plants arrive at the right time, please place your order as close as possible to when you would like to receive it.

If you have any questions concerning transit time for your order, please feel free to contact us at info@plantmegreen.com or toll free 855-817-5268.

Due to strict agricultural laws, we cannot ship to the following locations:

  • Alaska

  • Hawaii

  • Puerto Rico

  • International destinations

  • California and Arizona orders are limited to approved items only and may not apply to all products.
How to Plant
STEP 1) First, decide on a planting location. Consider carefully what kind of sun, soil, and growing-space your tree or shrub will need.
STEP 2) Once you've located the perfect spot, the hole you are digging must be at least double the width and as deep as the root system you are planting.
STEP 3) Remove the plant from the pot and place the root ball in the hole. The top of the root system should be level with the ground. Before placing the tree or shrub in the hole, use your hands to gently break up the root system.
STEP 4) Once the plant is in place, backfill the hole with native soil and any leftover potting material.
STEP 5) Pack down the soil to eliminate any air pockets.
STEP 6) When finished, water thoroughly.
Care Guide

To help crape myrtles retain water, mulch with organic matter 2-3 inches deep, making sure to keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk. Water regularly until established. Remove dead branches any time and prune weak branches back in the spring in order to encourage a strong and productive tree. Fertilize once per year as new growth emerges.

About Black Diamond®

Black Diamonds are a revolutionary new series of crape myrtles that provide unique beauty to your landscape. Flawless black foliage emerges in early spring followed by masses of brilliant jewel-toned blooms that last until the first frost. Black Diamonds are perfect for landscapes of all sizes because they have a naturally compact habit, reaching a maximum height of 10-12 ft. and width of 8 ft. Style wise, Black Diamonds make attractive flowering hedges or beautiful trees to line your driveway or fence, they also perfect planted in decorative pots to place on your deck, porch or balcony.
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