Lagerstroemia 'Diamonds in the Dark Lavender Lace'

Lagerstroemia

Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia 'Diamonds in the Dark® Lavender Lace'
Family: Lythraceae
Origin: East Asia
Plant Type: Deciduous small tree

Overview

Bring dramatic contrast to your garden with Lagerstroemia ‘Diamonds in the Dark® Lavender Lace’—a compact crepe myrtle prized for its near-black foliage and lavender-purple flower trusses through the warm months. Perfect for South Australian conditions, it’s heat-loving, low-maintenance and showy in courtyards, driveways and feature pots.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 2.5–3 m H x 2–2.5 m W (upright, branching habit)
• Growth Rate: 30-50 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Emerging deep burgundy/black foliage; intensifies in full sun; fiery red-orange autumn colour before leaves drop
• Flowers: Lavender-purple, crepe-textured clusters on new wood; light sweet scent up close
  
• Seasonal Interest: Spring–autumn—dark foliage all season, summer to early autumn blooms, standout autumn colour
• Wildlife Value: Nectar-rich blooms attract bees, butterflies and pollinators
• Tolerance: Heat and drought once established; light frost; powdery-mildew resistant
• Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: 1 tree per 9-16 m² (3-4 m apart), depending on mature canopy
• Pet Friendly: Yes (non-toxic to cats & dogs)

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours) for darkest foliage and heaviest flowering; tolerates light part shade
• Soil: 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 in late winter to shape and encourage new growth/flowers; slow-release fertiliser in early spring
• Lifespan: 25-50 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred; tolerates mildly alkaline if well-drained

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Feature tree for contrast: Plant as a statement against light paving, white walls or silver/blue foliage for a high-impact look
• Driveway or path avenue: Space 3–4 m apart for a formal, flowering entrance with year-round structure
• Large containers: Thrives in feature pots on patios and courtyards; underplant with white groundcovers to make the blooms pop

Why You Will Love It

‘Lavender Lace’ delivers nonstop wow-factor: near-black foliage, clouds of lavender blooms and glowing autumn colour in a compact size that suits today’s gardens. It’s tough, heat-loving and low-mess, so you get premium designer looks with minimal maintenance—perfect for effortless curb appeal and long seasonal interest.