How to Grow and Care for Lavender Lace Crape Myrtle

The Lavender Lace™ Crape Myrtle, known botanically as Lagerstroemia ‘Gamad VI’, is a distinctive cultivar prized in modern landscapes. Its most compelling attributes are the deep, dark foliage that serves as a backdrop for its soft lavender flowers. This striking contrast of colors makes it a sought-after selection for gardeners. The plant’s manageable size and aesthetic appeal contribute to its popularity.

Lavender Lace Crape Myrtle Characteristics

This crape myrtle cultivar grows into a semi-dwarf, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree, reaching a mature height of 10 to 12 feet and a spread of about 8 feet. This size gives it a full, rounded, and upright form that is substantial without being overpowering. Its growth habit makes it a versatile structural element in landscape design.

The most notable feature of the Lavender Lace Crape Myrtle is its foliage. The leaves emerge with a deep burgundy hue and mature to a dramatic near-black color. This dark pigmentation remains consistent and vibrant even during the intense heat of summer. This trait sets it apart from traditional green-leafed crape myrtles.

From summer until the first frost, the plant produces large clusters of delicate, ruffled lavender flowers. The pastel purple blooms create a stunning contrast against the dark leaves, a combination that defines the plant’s appeal.

Planting and Growing Conditions

Successful cultivation of Lavender Lace Crape Myrtle begins with proper site selection. This cultivar is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 7 through 9, where it can reliably withstand winter temperatures. In colder areas, such as zone 6, it may require significant winter protection to survive and may not bloom as prolifically.

For vibrant foliage color and abundant flowering, a location that receives full sun is necessary, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. While it might tolerate partial shade, its characteristic dark leaves and flower production will be diminished. Sunlight energizes the plant for a long blooming season.

The plant thrives in well-drained soil and is adaptable to different soil types, from clay to loam, as long as the ground does not remain consistently soggy. It prefers a soil pH that is slightly acidic, though it can tolerate a neutral range. When planting, ensure the hole is large enough to accommodate the root ball. During its first growing season, it requires deep and regular watering to establish a robust root system.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Once established, Lavender Lace Crape Myrtle requires straightforward care. Pruning is best performed in late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges, to prevent removing flower buds. Avoid the severe topping known as “crape murder,” which can damage the plant’s natural form. Instead, focus on selectively removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve air circulation.

To support healthy growth and flowering, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring. This single application is often sufficient for the entire growing season. Deadheading, or removing spent flower clusters during the summer, can sometimes encourage a second, lighter flush of blooms later in the season.

This cultivar’s strong disease resistance minimizes the need for extensive pest management. Its notable resistance to powdery mildew is a significant advantage. While you should monitor for common garden pests like aphids, infestations are not a major concern. This resilience makes it a durable and low-maintenance option for gardeners.

Landscaping Uses

The unique attributes of the Lavender Lace Crape Myrtle lend it to various applications in landscape design. Its striking appearance makes it an excellent choice as a specimen plant, where it can serve as a standalone focal point. In this role, its dramatic foliage and seasonal flowers can be fully appreciated, creating a commanding presence.

Due to its dense, upright growth, it is also well-suited for creating informal hedges or privacy screens. When planted in a row, the shrubs form a continuous barrier that provides both seclusion and aesthetic appeal. Space plants about 8 to 10 feet apart to allow them to grow to their natural size.

This crape myrtle works well in foundation plantings, where its mature size can anchor the corner of a house without overwhelming the structure. It can also be incorporated into mixed borders, placed in the middle or back layer. Here, its dark foliage provides a beautiful backdrop that makes brighter flowers and lighter green foliage of neighboring plants appear more vibrant.