Lagerstroemia Black Diamond Shell Pink Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia Black Diamond Shell Pink is a pink flowering deciduous crepe myrtle from the stunning new Black Diamond series. It has black foliage and vivid pink frilly blooms all summer long. It’s a good choice for an informal flower border and an eye-catching specimen tree for sun trap courtyards.

Crape myrtles are native to the warm regions of the Indian subcontinent, south-east Asia, and northern Australia. They were named after Dutchman Magnus Von Lagerstrom who collected them for Carl Linnaeus in the 1700s. There are many beautiful varieties and cultivars of Lagerstroemia, but the new USA-bred Black Diamond range (also called Black Solitaire) is unusual because they have black foliage. Crape Myrtle Shell Pink is their vivid pink offering. Its a very vigorous variety that will get quite tall and is therefore suitable for growing as a small tree to 3M tall.

Its black foliage appears on bare stems in early spring and is followed by bright pink frilly crepe paper flowers in summer. The flowers are profuse and stand out against its black foliage. In a sheltered spot, they give months of pleasure because the blooms last until late summer.

Height and Spread of Lagerstroemia Black Diamond Shell Pink
Shell Pink is one of the tallest in the Black Diamond range. It’ll reach three metres in height and spread over 2.5 metres.

How Hardy Is Lagerstroemia Black Diamond Shell Pink
This is a vigorous crepe myrtle that needs full sun and well-drained roots to survive a UK winter. It’s hardy planted in a warm, sheltered spot.  

How To Use Lagerstroemia Black Diamond Shell Pink
This is an excellent tree for mass planting in informal flower beds and an eye-catching specimen for a courtyard where it can reach three metres tall.
Crepe myrtles suit warm coastal areas and Mediterranean or tropical-style gardens. If you’re planting a swathe in a flower bed, try mixing it up with other crepe myrtles from the Black Diamond range such as Crimson Red and Pure White.

Because Lagerstroemia Shell Pink has black foliage alongside frilly pink flowers it suits an urban balcony or modern courtyard too.

How To Care For Lagerstroemia Black Diamond Shell Pink
Crape Myrtle Shell Pink needs a sunny position that’s sheltered from cold drying winds. Lagerstroemias are sun lovers that struggle to cope with cold wet conditions. A south-facing spot against a fence or wall is ideal.
It will grow in the majority of well-drained soils including chalk and sand and pruning isn’t required, excessive pruning will weaken it, so trim back its tips in late winter or early spring if necessary and boost it with a thick layer of organic mulch in spring for a healthy flower display.