Lagerstroemia 'Diamonds in the Dark Blush'
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Blush Crepe Myrtle / Black Diamond Blush Crepe Myrtle
Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia 'Diamonds in the Dark® Blush'
Family: Lythraceae
Origin: East Asia (indica hybrids)
Plant Type: Deciduous small tree/large shrub
Overview
A show-stopping crepe myrtle with near-black new foliage and blush-pink crepe blooms all summer. Compact, heat-loving and low-maintenance—perfect for South Australian gardens, courtyards and streetscapes.
Key Features
- Mature Size: 2.5–3 m H × 2–2.5 m W
- Growth Rate: 30-50 cm per year under good conditions
- Foliage: Deciduous; deep burgundy/near-black spring–summer, turning red–orange in late autumn
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Flowers: Large blush-pink panicles, profuse
- Seasonal Interest: Summer–autumn flowers; fiery autumn colour; ornamental mottled bark in winter
- Wildlife Value: Nectar for bees and pollinators
- Tolerance: Heat and drought once established; light frost; good powdery-mildew resistance
- Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: 1 tree per 9–16 m² (space 2–3 m apart)
- Pet Friendly: Generally non-toxic to pets
Where It Works Best
- Sunlight: Full sun (best colour & bloom) to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or amended clay loam
- Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8-12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10-14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
- Maintenance: Light winter prune to shape; deadhead to extend flowering; slow-release fertiliser in early spring
- Lifespan: 25-50 years
- Climate Zones: Temperate & Mediterranean SA, including coastal
- Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral to mildly alkaline
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Statement feature near driveways, letterboxes and entry paths for instant kerb appeal
- Contrast planting: pair the dark foliage with silvers (westringia, lamb’s ear) or lime greens for year-round drama
- Compact avenue/screen along boundaries or fence lines where height is needed without width
Why You Will Love It
This variety delivers premium colour contrast—near-black foliage topped with romantic blush flowers for months. It thrives in heat, needs little care once established, and stays compact—so you get big impact in small spaces. If you want effortless wow-factor and reliable summer bloom, ‘Diamonds in the Dark® Blush’ is a must-have.