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Thunderstruck™ Lavender Skies™ Crape Myrtle Tree
Pickup available at 1540 Gordon Road
Usually ready in 24 hours
Lagerstroemia x 'JM8'
Vivid pink-purple flowers on near-black foliage make a statement in any yard. Upright growth habit and blooms from summer through autumn. Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and heat-tolerant variety.
USDA Zones:6-9
Plant Specifications
Height
12-15 feet
Spread
8-10 feet
Bloom Color
Pink Purple; Foliage-Dark
Planting and Care Tips
Plant
To plant your new Crape Myrtle, start by digging a hole that is one and a half times wider than the plant's container. Then, place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill the hole with soil, and water the plant thoroughly. After watering, apply mulch around the base to help retain moisture and reduce weeds.
Keep in mind that new plantings need more frequent watering than established plants. Factors like wind, temperature, and soil type will affect your watering schedule.
In early spring and again in early fall, feed your plants with an all-purpose fertilizer, following the instructions on the label. If you purchased a Crape Myrtle that comes with a stake, leave the stake secured to the trunk until fall or until the stems are strong and well-established.
Feed
Yearly in early spring
Water
Water your plants thoroughly but not too often to promote deep root growth.
Pruning
Prune your Crape Myrtle in late winter or early spring, just before new growth. Start by removing dead or damaged branches and any that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Trim branches growing toward the center to improve air circulation and encourage healthy growth.
Cut back the top to your desired height, leaving at least two or three buds on each branch. Avoid severe pruning or "topping," as this can harm the tree’s health and appearance.
Exposure
Full sun