Plum Magic Crape Myrtle is a stunning flowering tree that adds beauty and color to any landscape or garden. Its scientific name is Lagerstroemia indica, and it belongs to the Family Lythraceae. This type of crape myrtle is known for its vibrant plum-colored flowers, which bloom in large clusters during the summer months. The flowers are a deep shade of purple and contrast beautifully against the tree's dark green foliage. The Plum Magic Crape Myrtle can reach a height of up to 12 feet and has an upright, vase-shaped growth habit. One of the most attractive features of this particular crape myrtle variety is its long flowering period.
A smaller and more compact Crape Myrtle, this tree easily transforms into a nice hedge with its round, bushy form. Growing only 6 to 8 feet high makes this a perfect, compact ornamental tree to dress up any landscape. Not only is this tree bursting with color and compact, but it is also resistant to disease.
The one downside of these trees is that they have a weakness to prolonged cold, and this should be taken into account when purchasing and planting them. This characteristic makes them perfect for a number situations, such as the center piece of a garden or yard, a backdrop in front of a fence, lining a drive, or planting on the corner of a house.
One of the most attractive features of this particular crape myrtle variety is its long flowering period. The blooms typically appear in early to mid-summer and can last for several weeks, providing a burst of color when many other plants are not in flower. The tree also has an excellent resistance to powdery mildew, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.
Plum Magic™ Semi-Dwarf Crape Myrtle - First Editions®
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Description
First Editions® Plum Magic™ crape myrtles give you all the best qualities of a crape myrtle with enhanced disease resistance and cold heartiness. These compact crape myrtles are a very fast growing tree that fills with gorgeous clusters of pink/purple blooms from July to September, and both beautiful, hearty, and very drought resistant once established. The blooms of a crape myrtle are a magnificent display that attract flocks of hummingbirds and butterflies through the summer months. These plum crape myrtles produce 6 ” to 12” clusters of pink/purple flowers that can last for many weeks or even months. The leaves of crape myrtles are a unique glossy red/green and the growth rate of a crape myrtle is incredible, these trees can create shoots of new growth of more than a foot in just a few short weeks. As they grow, crape myrtles can be trained into a clump of trees or keep a shrub like form. This characteristic makes them perfect for a number situations, such as the center piece of a garden or yard, a backdrop in front of a fence, lining a drive, or planting on the corner of a house. The one downside of these trees is that they have a weakness to prolonged cold, and this should be taken into account when purchasing and planting them. For example, here in southern Indiana (zone 6a) they grow beautifully, but do best in an area sheltered from cold winter winds. In Louisville, KY, which consistently remains 5-6 degrees warmer, due to the heat island effect, they overwinter without a problem.
Nursery Tag
| Bloom Color: | Pinkish purple |
| Bloom Period: | mid to late summer |
| Fall Color: | Orange and red with hints of yellow |
| Foliage Color: | Green with red/orange highlights |
| Genus & Species: | Lagerstroemia 'Plum Magic' |
| Growth Rate: | Fast |
| Mature Height: | 6 to 10 ft. |
| Mature Spread: | 6 to 10 ft. |
| Soil Type: | Well drained soil; crape myrtles are drought tolerant |
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun |
| Zone: | 6 to 10 |
Care Guide
General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.
In Zone 6, this versatile plant will behave as a perennial in the ground and regrow from the roots in the spring. Place a layer of straw around the crown of the plant in the winter to ensure it returns, even in the coldest years. In spring, simply trim off any old winter-damaged wood and prepare for new growth.
In addition to its stunning flowers, the Plum Magic Crape Myrtle also offers attractive bark and foliage. The tree's bark has a smooth texture and peels off in patches, revealing patches of gray and taupe underneath. This natural shedding of bark adds interest and texture to the tree's appearance. The foliage of the Plum Magic Crape Myrtle is another standout feature. The leaves are a glossy dark green throughout the growing season, providing a lush backdrop for the tree's vibrant flowers. In the fall, the leaves turn a vibrant shade of yellow, adding another layer of visual interest. To care for a Plum Magic Crape Myrtle, it is important to provide it with full sun exposure, as this will encourage optimal flowering. The tree prefers well-drained soil and should be watered deeply but infrequently to promote healthy root growth. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and to shape the tree if desired. Overall, the Plum Magic Crape Myrtle is a striking and versatile tree that can enhance the beauty of any landscape. Its plum-colored flowers, attractive bark, and glossy foliage make it a popular choice among homeowners and landscapers alike. Whether used as a specimen tree, a focal point in a garden bed, or as a border plant, the Plum Magic Crape Myrtle is sure to make a statement with its stunning display of color and texture..
Reviews for "The Allure of Plum Magic Crape Myrtle in a Small Garden"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Plum Magic Crape Myrtle. I had high hopes for this plant, but it just didn't live up to my expectations. The color of the flowers was not as vibrant as I had hoped, and the overall growth and health of the plant seemed lacking. I also found it to be quite finicky and difficult to care for. Overall, I wouldn't recommend the Plum Magic Crape Myrtle to others looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance plant for their garden.
2. John - 3 stars - While the Plum Magic Crape Myrtle had its moments of beauty, I found it to be a rather temperamental plant. It seemed to require a lot more care and attention than other crape myrtles I have grown in the past. The flowers weren't as plentiful and showy as I had anticipated, and the overall growth rate was slow. I had higher expectations for this variety, and unfortunately, it didn't meet them. I would suggest considering other options before investing in the Plum Magic Crape Myrtle.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had such high hopes for the Plum Magic Crape Myrtle, but sadly, it didn't live up to its name. The flowers were lackluster, and the color wasn't as vibrant as I had expected. Additionally, the plant struggled to thrive in my garden, often suffering from disease and pest issues. It required constant care and attention, which I found to be a hassle. Overall, I was disappointed with the performance of the Plum Magic Crape Myrtle and would not recommend it to other gardeners looking for an easy and beautiful plant.