Crape myrtle Midnight Magic, also known as Lagerstroemia Midnight Magic, is a striking flowering shrub that is known for its beautiful dark purple foliage and vibrant pink flowers. This cultivar was developed by Dr. Carl E. Whitcomb in the early 2000s and has quickly become a favorite among gardeners and landscapers. One of the most notable features of Crape myrtle Midnight Magic is its foliage. The leaves are a deep, almost black, purple color that adds a dramatic touch to any landscape.
The leaves are a deep, almost black, purple color that adds a dramatic touch to any landscape. This foliage stands out even more when the plant is in bloom. In the late summer and early fall, Midnight Magic produces large clusters of vibrant pink flowers that contrast beautifully with the dark foliage.
Midnight Magic Crape Myrtle
The Midnight Magic™ Crape Myrtle has rich, purple-red foliage that holds it color from the moment it appears in spring, right through to the end of fall. It grows just 4 to 6 feet tall, so it fits perfectly into a smaller garden, or as a medium-sized shrub in a larger garden. Plant it alone, or in a group, for a steady supply of color. By July the first deep pink blooms will appear, making a vibrant contrast with the foliage. These persist throughout summer and well into fall. This easily grown shrub is invaluable for those hot, sunny spots in your garden, and in dry areas with poor soil. You will love the seasons of color and interest this plant delivers, while asking almost nothing in care from you.
- Constant color from deep purple-red foliage
- Dark pink flowers from July through September
- Tough, reliable and drought-resistant
- Leaves are always glossy and free of diseases
- Ideal size for smaller gardens or mass planting
Plant the Midnight Magic Crape Myrtle in full sun, for the best foliage color and continuous blooms. It thrives in any well-drained soil, including sands and gravels, as well as clay soil. Once established it is very drought resistant, and its leaves will stay clean and disease free, even during hot, humid weather, because it is highly resistant to the common diseases of crape myrtles. Use it among other shrubs, as a short screen or informal hedge, or as a container plant on your terrace. However and wherever you grow it, you will love the ease with which it delivers color from spring to fall.
In warmer areas – zones 7, 8 and 9 – crape myrtles have a long history as the backbone of summer flowering trees and shrubs. With their long flowering period, heat and humidity resistance, and ability to grow in poor soil, they are an easy and very effective way to bring color into your summer garden. There are just two limitations – first, in spring they are just green foliage, and secondly, they are prone to foliage diseases in summer that make them less attractive.
The Midnight Magic™ Crape Myrtle is a new variety which solves both these problems, as well as being the perfect size for smaller gardens and mass planting. In spring, when the new leaves emerge, they are a rich dark-red/purple color, and unlike most other red-leaf crape myrtle varieties, this saturated dark coloring lasts throughout the season. Because it is highly-resistant to the common leaf diseases of crape myrtles, these handsome leaves stay clean and glossy all summer long. Plus, from early July well into September, the bush is smothered in clusters of blooms of a vibrant dark pink color. This strong coloring contrasts beautifully with the foliage, making a striking feature out of this easy-to-grow plant.
The combination of purple leaves and pink blooms creates a stunning display that can easily become a focal point in any garden. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Crape myrtle Midnight Magic also offers other benefits. It is a relatively compact shrub, growing to a height of around 3 to 4 feet, making it suitable for small gardens or containers. It has a bushy, rounded habit and develops an attractive branching structure. This plant is also relatively low-maintenance and tolerant of various growing conditions. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and is moderately drought-tolerant once established. Crape myrtle Midnight Magic is generally easy to care for. It prefers well-drained soil and regular watering during its establishment period. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and shape the shrub. This will also encourage the development of bigger blooms in the following season. Additionally, applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plant will help retain moisture and control weeds. Overall, Crape myrtle Midnight Magic is a stunning and versatile flowering shrub that can enhance the beauty of any landscape. Its dark purple foliage and vibrant pink flowers make it a standout plant, whether used as a focal point or as part of a mixed border. With its low maintenance requirements and adaptability to various growing conditions, this cultivar is sure to be a welcome addition to any garden..
Reviews for "Creative Uses for Crape Myrtle Midnight Magic in Floral Arrangements"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars: I was really disappointed with the Crape myrtle midnight magic plant. The color is not as vibrant as advertised, and the leaves turned brown and fell off shortly after planting. Despite following the care instructions, the plant just didn't thrive. I have had much better luck with other Crape myrtle varieties.
2. John - 1/5 stars: I purchased the Crape myrtle midnight magic plant with high hopes, but it turned out to be a complete disappointment. The plant arrived in poor condition with wilted leaves and damaged branches. I tried to revive it, but it never recovered. It was a waste of money and time. I would not recommend this plant to anyone.
3. Linda - 2/5 stars: I am an experienced gardener and have had success with various plants, but the Crape myrtle midnight magic was a letdown. Despite providing the necessary care, the plant struggled to grow and develop flowers. The foliage was unimpressive, and it didn't live up to the beautiful pictures I had seen. I won't be purchasing this variety again.
4. Mark - 2/5 stars: I was excited to add the Crape myrtle midnight magic to my garden, but it didn't live up to my expectations. The plant had a slow growth rate, and the bloom was minimal. The foliage was lackluster and didn't provide the vibrant color I was hoping for. Overall, it was a disappointing addition to my garden. I would advise looking for other Crape myrtle options.