Thunderstruck ‘White Lightning’ Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia x ‘JM4′ PP31534′

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 6a-9b Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Tree

Height at Maturity: 20-30′

Width at Maturity: 10-15′
Spacing: 10′ for screen; 20′ for space between trees

Growth Habit / Form: Upright

Growth Rate: Fast

Flower Color: White

Flowering Period: Early to Late Summer

Flower Type: Single flowers in large conical clusters

Fragrant Flowers: No

Foliage Color: Dark Burgundy-Black
Fall Foliage Color:

Fragrant Foliage: No

Bark Color: Tan

Sun Needs: Full Sun or Mostly Sun

Water Needs: Average, low when established

Soil Type: Clay, Loam, Sand, Silt

Soil Drainage: Moist But Well Drained

Soil pH: 5.0 – 6.5

Maintenance / Care: Low

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Deer – more info, Disease, Moderate Drought, Heat

Description

When it comes to flowering trees, there’s simply no others more showy than Crape Myrtles. They bloom for up to 100 days during summer, when there are few other trees and shrubs providing that service in the landscape. Colorful fall foliage and attractive exfoliating bark in winter enhance their overall appeal. It’s no wonder they are so wildly popular among designers and gardeners!

The tallest of the “black-leaved” crape myrtles, Thunderstruck White Lightning was developed by crossing the ever-popular ‘Natchez’ Crape Myrtle with the Ebony Ivory Black Diamond Crape Myrtle. The result is tree with very similar dark burgundy-black leaves of Ebony Ivory, but a much faster growth rate of 2 feet or more in height per year and the taller stature to 20 to 30 feet and the wider canopy of ‘Natchez’, not to mention greater cold hardiness to USDA Zone 6. A fine specimen tree in the landscape!

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing 20 to 30 feet tall and 1o to 15 feet wide, the White Lightning Crape Myrtle is one you’ll plant as a tree and not a shrub. It is ideal for use as a specimen, in groupings, in rows to line a drive or property line, or near patios, decks and other outdoor living spaces to provide shade. Excellent for framing the corners of homes and other buildings.

Suggested Spacing: 10 feet apart for screens; 20 feet or more apart for space between trees

Growing Preferences

The White Lightning Crape Myrtle is very easy to grow. It is not picky about soil type provided the soil is well-drained. A moist but well-drained soil of average fertility is preferred. Full sun is preferred and results in heavier flower production. Light shade is tolerated but flowering will be diminished in more shade. Has shown excellent resistance to powdery mildew and is quite drought tolerant when established.

Helpful Articles

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for Crape Myrtle trees.

How To Plant A Crape Myrtle In The Ground Or In A Pot

How To Prune a Crape Myrtle Tree the Right Way

How To Fertilize & Water A Crape Myrtle

How To Prune a Dwarf Crape Myrtle

Choosing the Right Crape Myrtle

Plant Long & Prosper!

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Questions? Contact Us!

I ordered and received two Thunderstruck Crape Myrtle and they arrived on time and healthy appearing. They have been in the ground two weeks now and are looking strong. I look forward to their growth and providing evening shade in our back yard. Excellent service.————————————————————-We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG