Crape Myrtle Ebony Fire

‘The Ebony Fire™ Crape Myrtle is actually the original cultivar name for what is now widely marketed as the Black Diamond® Crimson Red™. It was part of the groundbreaking "Ebony" series developed by the USDA, known for being the first to offer true black foliage. The 'Ebony Fire’ Crape Myrtle is a deciduous ornamental shrub or small tree renowned for its vivid, deep red flowers that bloom in summer. The flowers are arranged in striking panicles at the branch tips, creating a bold and long-lasting display. Its dark green foliage provides a rich backdrop during the growing season and transitions to warm shades of red and orange in the fall. In addition to its flowers, the ‘Ebony Fire’ Crape Myrtle features smooth, attractive bark that adds year-round visual interest. These plants have an upright, vase-shaped growth habit with multiple stems emerging from the base. They can be pruned to maintain a more compact size or allowed to grow taller as a beautiful accent or specimen plant. Scientific Name Lagerstroemia x 'Ebony Fire' (often sold as Black Diamond® Crimson Red™) Foliage: Deciduous Leaves: The foliage is a true black-purple. In autumn, while most Black Diamond varieties stay dark, the Ebony Fire may occasionally transition to a bronze or deep yellow before dropping. Flowers: Vibrant, bright crimson-red blossoms. The flower clusters are rounded and dense, appearing in early summer and continuing until the first frost. Bark: Smooth and light brown. As the plant ages, the bark exfoliates slightly to show a polished texture, though it is often grown as a multi-stemmed shrub where the bark is less visible. Seeds: Small, round dark brown woody capsules. They are highly visible against the dark leaves and provide food for small birds in the winter. Mature Height 10-12 feet Mature Width (Spread) 6-8 feet Growth Rate Moderate to Fast (can grow 2+ feet per year once established) USDA Zone 7–10 (In Zone 6, it usually survives as a die-back perennial) Plant Care & Characteristics Light Requirements: Full Sun (6+ hours). Sun is required to maintain the black leaf pigment; shade turns them dark green. Water Requirements: Moderate. Prefers average moisture; needs deep watering during its first year to establish roots. Drought Resistance: High. Very resilient to heat and dry spells once established. Soil Type: Adaptable. 'Ebony Fire’ Crape Myrtles prefer well-drained, fertile soils with adequate moisture retention. They adapt to sandy, loamy, or clay soils as long as drainage is sufficient. Prefers a pH of 5.0 to 6.5. Incorporating organic matter such as compost or peat moss before planting can help improve soil structure and promote healthy growth. Mulching around the base helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect shallow roots. Deer Resistance: High. Generally avoided by deer. Maintenance: This variety is low-maintenance once established but benefits from regular pruning to remove dead, diseased, or overgrown branches and maintain the desired shape. Light pruning can be done during the growing season, while more extensive pruning is best in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.