Do you love crape myrtles but hate the diseases associated with them? Meet the new and improved First Editions® Magic™ Crape Myrtle Series. These crape myrtle trees showcase new color combinations, compact size, and disease resistance.

The intensely pigmented violet-purple blooms set the Purple Magic Crape Myrtle apart from other dwarf crape myrtles.

The Purple Magic Crape Myrtle produces an abundance of crinkly, purple blooms from July to September. New growth starts out as a red in the spring before turning green in the summer. An additional perk of the Magic Series Crape myrtles is the size.

A smaller and more compact dwarf crape myrtle, this tree easily transforms into a nice hedge with its round, bushy form. Growing only 6 to 8 feet high makes this a perfect, compact ornamental tree to dress up any landscape. Not only is this tree bursting with color and compact, but it is also resistant to disease.

Compact, dense, and colorful, this tree/shrub variation of the Crape Myrtle is absolutely stunning. Give it sunlight and good drainage and it will take off with little maintenance. Sit back and relax and let this show-stopping Crepe Myrtle perform magic before your eyes!

Crape Myrtle Tree Comparisons

Be sure you choose the right location and have the appropriate conditions for your new Purple Magic Crape Myrtle to thrive. Luckily purple flower trees are pretty easy to grow and don't require much maintenance at all. If you follow growing zone guidelines for your particular variety you can plant your purple crape myrtle just about any time of year. Purple Magic Crape Myrtles grow in zones 7-9. 

The best way to prevent disease and pests is by providing the appropriate care for your plants. Proper location choice, watering and fertilization are the keys to your success. There are not many pests or diseases that cause severe problems for crape myrtles. Aphids are one of the few pests that attack crape myrtles. Minor infections aren't likely to cause problems, but a severe infection can weaken your tree. You can treat aphids naturally with horticultural oil, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. For severe infections use pesticides like carbaryl, also known as Sevin. The Magic series crape myrtles are extremely resistant to Powdery Mildew and other diseases.

Planting

These trees prefer full sun, but can tolerate some shade and are adaptable to just about any soil as long as it is well-draining. Crape Myrtles do enjoy a slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.0 or 6.5 being ideal, but as long as your soil isn't extremely alkaline there is no need to modify it. Mulching with a 2-3 inch layer of pine straw or pine bark is ideal for crape myrtles. Do not allow the mulch to touch the trunk as these increases the chances of pests and disease. Mulching helps keep soil moist and protects roots during temperature extremes.

Watering

Purple Magic Crape Myrtles should be watered deeply about 2 times per week after planting for about 3 months. After this establishment period, water deeply about once weekly when conditions are dry. Crape Myrtles are drought tolerant once established.

Fertilizing

Fertilize in early spring and when planting to give your tree a boost and help it achieve the best blooms. Choose a balanced, slow release fertilizer. If you know your soil is on the basic side choose a fertilizer that is for acid loving plants.

Maintenance

Crape Myrtles do not generally require pruning, but if needed, prune when they are dormant to remove any dead, dying, or crowded branches. Avoid the need to over prune your tree by choosing a variety that fits best in your chosen spot. You can choose a variety that is only 5 feet tall up to varieties that grow over 30 feet tall. Magic series Crape Myrtles grow up to 10 feet tall and wide.

The Magic series of Crape Myrtles will look great anywhere in your landscape.  The colorful bloom clusters are sure to brighten up your yard. The mature size is only 6-8 feet tall and wide so be mindful of this when choosing a spot for this tree-shrub. The Crape Myrtles of the Magic series look great as single specimens planted in your yard and provide a wonderful focal point for a bed or garden. This variety tends to grow more like a large, full bush than a tree.  This Crape Myrtle will also look great framing your front door or the front entrance of your driveway. Plant 1 on each side and watch your house turn into a home.  Another stellar look for these shrub-like crape myrtles is a grouped hedge or cluster.  You will love the color and beauty this will add to your yard. Planting about 5 or 6 feet apart can even provide privacy in spring, summer and fall. 

Learn when to prune your flowering shrubs.

For additional options, be sure to browse our Crape Myrtle and Dwarf tree collection.