This semi dwarf, mid sized Crape Myrtle is a newly developed variety from Plant Introductions, Inc with large clusters of dark purple blooms. Foliage is a deep, dark, glossy green when mature, but starts out with a dark reddish orange coloration when new.
A very vigorous grower with increased resistance to all of the more commonly encountered Crape Myrtle problems ( leaf spot, powdery mildew, etc ). This variety can be maintained at a slightly shorter mature height through regular trimming / pruning, or allowed to reach its full mature size if desired.
Removal
of expired flower heads will oftentimes prolong & increase the
duration of blooms - sometimes well into early October in many areas of
the country. Yearly pruning should be performed - typically in either
early fall, or in very late winter ( just before bud break in the spring
). We recommend pruning branches back to the point where they are the
diameter of approximately 1/2" - 3/4" on more established specimens
.......Certainly no larger in diameter than 3/4". Pruning will be much
less in very young specimens for the first 2-3 seasons. Yearly pruning
will spur additional branching habit the following season which, in
turn, will spur on a maximum amount of blooms year after year since
blooms are always produced at the ends of the current years' new growth.
This is one of the main reason we suggest removal of old expired blooms
to help prolong production of new blooms.
Plant Facts & Specifications
Mature Height: 6-10 ft ( can be maintained at shorter heights through regular trimming / pruning )
Mature Width: 5-6 ft - occasionally wider if allowed to reach full mature height
Growth rate: Moderate to fast ( 18"-24" avg per yr )
Hardiness Zones: 7-10 - As with all Crape Myrtles, will suffer branch dieback at temps below 15 degrees.
( if unsure of your zone, please use zone finder below )
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade - blooms best in full sun.
Soil Preference: Average to slightly moist & fertile - well drained.
Foliage Color & Texture: Good dark green foliage with a rather glossy finish - new growth is a very nice red color. Has slight fall color display, but nothing to write home about.
Flower, Cone, Or Berry Facts: Nice
dark purple blooms typically starting in July, and lasting well into
the latter part of September. Blooms leave behind a 1/4"- 1/2" diameter
seed capsule which will oftentimes persist all the way through winter.
Each seed capsule consists of 6 individual "compartments" - each
contains many long, winged seeds.
Diseases / Insects:
Purple Magic is actually very resistant to most commonly Crape Myrtle problems, however any of the following are always still a possibility: Powdery mildew, black spot, sooty mold, tip blight, leaf spot
(Cercospora spp. are the causal agents), Botryosphaeria canker, root
rot, aphids, Japanese beetle, Asian ambrosia beetle and Florida wax
scale are all problems that have been reported with Crape Myrtles. The
most common problems encountered are powdery mildew, black spot, and
aphids. Regular inspections, and treatments ( when necessary ), should
be performed periodically throughout the growing season, so as to not
allow any serious problems to take hold.
Fertilization / Feeding: For maximum health & hardiness, we highly recommend POOPeas
for use with all of our Crape Myrtle varieties. Either
water
soluble ( Miracle Gro, or equivalent ), or granular ( Holly Tone
is excellent ) plant foods are also good options. Other granular types with 6-12-12, or 10-10-10 ratio is
acceptable. Best to fertilize in early spring, and then continue light
to moderate application throughout the spring & early summer months.
Best to back off fertilizing during peak summer heat ( late July &
August ) - then resume light feeding in early fall as leaf colors
change. Discontinue all feeding / fertilizing once leaves begin to drop
for the fall / winter season.
