Choosing the Right Soil for Plum Magic Crepe Myrtle

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The Plum Magic Crepe Myrtle is a striking deciduous tree that is known for its beautiful purple foliage and vibrant pink flowers. It is commonly used as an ornamental tree in gardens and landscapes due to its stunning appearance. This variety of crepe myrtle typically grows to a height of around 10 to 15 feet and has a spread of about 6 to 10 feet. It has an upright, vase-like shape with multiple trunks, and its smooth gray-brown bark adds to its overall charm. In the spring, the Plum Magic Crepe Myrtle produces clusters of small, crinkled purple leaves that create a dramatic effect in the garden. As the summer approaches, it bursts into bloom with clusters of large, showy flowers in shades of vibrant pink.


Seasonally, Nature Hills offers hand selected, high quality bare root trees, shrubs and perennials. Bare root plants are sold by height from the top of the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may be taller than the height minimums.

The First Editions Plum Magic Crape Myrtle is sure to be a standout in your garden and provide a magical changing color throughout the growing season. Bloom Color Purple Bloom Period Mid to late summer Fall Color Orange and red with hints of yellow Foliage Color Green with red orange highlights Genus crape myrtles are drought tolerant Sun Exposure Full sun Zone 6 to 10.

Plum mabic crepe myrtle

As the summer approaches, it bursts into bloom with clusters of large, showy flowers in shades of vibrant pink. These flowers add a pop of color to any outdoor space and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. As the summer progresses, the flowers give way to small, round seed pods that persist through the fall.

First Editions® Plum Magic Crape Myrtle Shrub

Crape Myrtles are beautiful additions to any garden, but First Editions® Plum Magic Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia 'Plum Magic') is a truly special addition! This is a new form of Crape Myrtle with a semi-dwarf form for more compact growth! These easy-care flowering shrubs naturally grow into rounded form with a nice full shape. The leaves start off a plum-purple in spring and mature into a rich dark green by summertime. The green leaves really set off the bright fuchsia-pink flowers that follow! New Plum Magic blooms in early summer and, if deadheaded, again in late summer! The flowers of all Crape Myrtle selections are long-lasting and feed pollinators and hummingbirds galore! Hardy throughout USDA growing zones 6 to 9, gardeners in growing zones 5 and under can still grow Plum Magic as a fast-growing annual and overwinter them in a protected cool location.

Planting and Application:

  • Fuchsia-Pink Crepe Paper-Like Blooms
  • Deep Purple-Maroon Leaves Turn Rich Green In Summer
  • Semi-Dwarf Dense Form
  • Pollinator & Hummingbird Favorites
  • Great Hedges, Privacy Fencing, Large & Small Gardens or Containers

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Grow these flowering ornamental shrubs in full sun for the most flowers and strongest growth. Water regularly during the first season to get the roots established, then extend the period between watering during the second season to encourage deep root development. Plum Magic Crape Myrtle responds well to mulching, applying a 3 to 4-inch deep layer, extending 3 feet outside the canopy to help conserve water and keep roots cool in the hot summer.

All Crape Myrtles flowers on new wood. This is great, as it means that even heavy pruning in late winter or early spring will not affect this season's flowers. Prune to shape at that time, or just to remove twiggy growth to allow good air circulation into the canopy. Deadhead any spent flower clusters as they fade to encourage more blooms during the active growing season.

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.

  • Full Sun
  • Drought Tolerant Once Established
  • About Any Well-Drained Soil
  • Blooms on New Wood - Prune in Early Spring
  • Highly Mildew Resistant & Deer Seldom Bother Them
  • Low Maintenance & Easy-Care
  • Use as a Colorful Annual in Zones 3 - 5

The First Editions® Plum Magic Crape Myrtle is sure to be a standout in your garden and provide a magical changing color throughout the growing season! Order yours today at Nature Hills Nursery today!

Single Stem, Multi Stem, Shrub Form, Oh My!

Before you buy, make sure you know what you’re getting! Single stem, multi stem and shrub forms are different so read a bit about which we’re currently offering below.

Single Stem:

These are plants that have one stem coming from the ground. Plants can also be considered single stem when lower branches are removed to raise the height of the branching. Sometimes, you will hear a single stem referred to as Tree Form.

Multi Stem:

These are plants with 2 or more stems planted together in the ground in close proximity to form a clump. There are times multi stems are formed by a tree that branches at the soil line with more than one main stem.

Shrub Form:

These are bushy plants with many stems and branchings close to the ground. They are referred to as shrubs or bushes and are often shorter than their tree forms.

Plum mabic crepe myrtle

These seed pods provide visual interest and can be attractive to birds. In the autumn, the foliage of the Plum Magic Crepe Myrtle turns a rich red-orange, providing a stunning display of fall color. This variety of crepe myrtle is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of soil types, as long as they are well-draining. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Regular watering is necessary, especially during periods of drought, but it is important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to maintain the desired shape and size of the tree. Removing any dead or damaged branches is also recommended to promote healthy growth. Overall, the Plum Magic Crepe Myrtle is a versatile and visually appealing tree that can add a touch of magic to any garden or landscape. Whether used as a focal point or as part of a larger planting scheme, its striking foliage and vibrant flowers are sure to captivate anyone who sees it..

Reviews for "Pruning Techniques for Plum Magic Crepe Myrtle"

1. Sara - 2 stars - The Plum Magic Crepe Myrtle was incredibly disappointing. The color of the flowers was nothing like what was advertised. Instead of the vibrant plum color, the flowers were a dull shade of pink. Additionally, the tree itself did not thrive in my garden. It struggled to grow and did not produce as many flowers as I had hoped. Overall, I would not recommend the Plum Magic Crepe Myrtle to anyone who is looking for a reliable and beautiful flowering tree.
2. John - 1 star - I had high expectations for the Plum Magic Crepe Myrtle, but unfortunately, it did not live up to them. The tree arrived in poor condition, with some branches damaged and the leaves wilted. Despite my best efforts to revive it, the tree did not grow well and eventually died within a few months. It was a waste of time and money, and I would not purchase this tree again.
3. Emily - 2 stars - The Plum Magic Crepe Myrtle did not meet my expectations. The flowers were not as abundant as I had hoped, and the color was more of a faded purple rather than a vibrant plum. The tree also did not grow as tall as I had anticipated, so it didn't provide the desired amount of shade in my garden. Overall, I was disappointed with this purchase and would not recommend it to others.

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