Lagerstroemia 'Diamonds in the Dark Crimson Red'

Crimson Red Crepe Myrtle / Black Diamond Crimson Red Crepe Myrtle

Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia 'Diamonds in the Dark® Crimson Red'
Family: Lythraceae
Origin: East Asia (garden cultivar)
Plant Type: Deciduous small tree

Overview

Turn heads all summer with the dramatic, near-black foliage and vivid crimson blooms of Diamonds in the Dark® ‘Crimson Red’. Bred for compact size and big colour, it’s perfect for South Australian conditions—heat-loving, drought-tolerant once established, and a showstopper for courtyards, driveways and feature pots.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 2.5–3 m H × 1.5–2.5 m W (naturally compact, multi-stem habit)
• Growth Rate: 30-50 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Deep burgundy to near-black spring–summer; autumn colour in fiery reds and oranges before leaf fall
• Flowers: Large, crinkled crimson-red panicles from summer into early autumn
  
• Seasonal Interest: Black foliage + summer blooms; autumn colour; attractive branching through winter
• Wildlife Value: Nectar-rich—loved by bees and butterflies
• Tolerance: Heat and drought once established; light frost tolerant; handles coastal exposure if protected from strong salt winds
• Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: 1 tree per 9-16 m² (3-4 m apart), depending on mature canopy
• Pet Friendly: Generally non-toxic to pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hrs) for darkest foliage and heaviest flowering; light shade tolerated
• Soil: Any well-drained loam, sandy loam or 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: Mulch in spring; prune lightly in late winter to shape and encourage new flowering wood; slow-release feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 25-50+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral; tolerates mildly alkaline

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Statement feature for front gardens, courtyards and entryways—pairs beautifully with charcoal paving and light stone
• Driveway or path avenue: plant at 3–4 m spacings for a cohesive, high-impact summer display
• Large pots & terraces: compact canopy and year-round interest make it a premium container specimen

Why You Will Love It

Foliage this dark with blooms this bright is rare—‘Crimson Red’ delivers dramatic contrast that reads beautifully from the street and in photos. It packs big colour into a small footprint, thrives on heat, and asks little in return: a quick winter prune and an occasional deep drink. Expect months of flowers, dazzling autumn tones and a designer look that instantly lifts any contemporary landscape.