
Images Depict Mature Plants
Coral Magic Crape Myrtle
Crape Myrtle Coral Magic (Lagerstroemia indica 'Coral Magic' PP#23,922) is a stunning ornamental shrub prized for its brilliant coral-pink flowers and compact, rounded form. Bursting into bloom in early to midsummer, Coral Magic lights up the landscape with dense clusters of vibrant flowers that continue to bloom into early fall. Reaching a mature height of 6 to 10 feet and spreading 6 to 8 feet wide, this variety is perfect for sunny foundation plantings, colorful hedges, and vibrant focal points. Its rich green foliage emerges with a reddish tint in spring, providing multi-seasonal interest even before the striking flowers appear.
Coral Magic Crape Myrtle thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, offering exceptional disease resistance, particularly against powdery mildew and leaf spot. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant, making it a low-maintenance choice for busy gardeners who still want season-long color and beauty. Its naturally dense, compact growth habit requires minimal pruning to maintain a clean, attractive shape, and the bold coral blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing the pollinator activity in your landscape.
Whether used as a colorful flowering hedge, a standout specimen shrub, or a vibrant addition to mixed garden borders, Crape Myrtle Coral Magic delivers eye-catching beauty with very little effort. Its brilliant blooms and lush foliage provide a long season of color and textural interest, making it a top choice for creating lively, sun-drenched gardens. Add Coral Magic to your outdoor space to enjoy months of vivid coral color, pollinator-friendly blooms, and durable, easy-care performance year after year.

Hardiness Zone: | 7-9 |
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Mature Height: | 8 to 10 feet |
Mature Width: | 6 to 8 feet |
Classification: | Semi-dwarf shrub form |
Sunlight: | Full Sun |
Habit: | Deciduous, densely branched, multi-stemmed |
Flower Color: | Coral-pink flowers in mid to late summer through the first frost. |
Foliage: | New growth emerges a rich reddish purple, eventually turning dark green. |
Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
Water Requirements: | Water well until established. |
Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as a focal point in the mixed border, mass planting, or a specimen planting . Small enough for a large containers on the patio. |
How to Care for Crape Myrtle Coral Magic
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Coral Magic Crape Myrtle plant for years to come!
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How Do I Plant My Coral Magic Crape Myrtles?
To plant your Coral Magic Crape Myrtles successfully, start by choosing a location that receives full sun for at least six hours a day. Crape Myrtles thrive in well-draining soil, so if your soil is heavy clay or tends to stay wet, consider amending it with organic matter or planting your Coral Magic Crape Myrtle slightly higher than ground level. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep, gently loosen the roots, and place the plant in the center of the hole. Backfill with soil, lightly tamping down to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly to help establish a strong root system. Mulch around the base with 2-3 inches of mulch, being careful not to pile mulch against the trunk. When planting Coral Magic Crape Myrtles, it's important to space multiple plants properly to allow for good air circulation and healthy growth. Coral Magic typically reaches 6 to 10 feet tall and wide, so leave at least 5 to 8 feet of space between plants if creating a hedge or mass planting. If you're planting a single Coral Magic Crape Myrtle as a standout specimen, make sure it has enough room to showcase its vibrant coral-red blooms and lush dark foliage. Water deeply once or twice a week during the first growing season to promote deep roots, and avoid overwatering, as Crape Myrtles prefer slightly dry conditions once established. Proper planting ensures your Coral Magic Crape Myrtle thrives and becomes a stunning focal point in your landscape.
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How Do I Water My Coral Magic Crape Myrtles?
When watering your Coral Magic Crape Myrtles, it’s important to focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root development. During the first growing season, water your Coral Magic Crape Myrtle thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. Always water at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering to help prevent diseases like powdery mildew. The goal is to soak the root zone to a depth of about 6 to 8 inches, promoting deep, resilient roots. Once established, Coral Magic Crape Myrtles are highly drought-tolerant and typically only require supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells. Proper watering is key to maintaining the vibrant blooms and lush foliage of your Coral Magic Crape Myrtle. Early morning watering is ideal, giving the plant time to absorb moisture before the heat of the day. Mulching around the base of your Crape Myrtle will also help retain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering. Be careful not to overwater, as Coral Magic Crape Myrtles prefer slightly dry conditions over soggy soil. By establishing a consistent watering routine and adjusting based on seasonal rainfall, your Coral Magic Crape Myrtle will reward you with spectacular color and vigorous growth year after year.
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How Do I Fertilize My Coral Magic Crape Myrtles?
To fertilize your Coral Magic Crape Myrtles properly, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as new growth begins. Look for a fertilizer with an even ratio, such as 10-10-10, or one slightly higher in phosphorus to encourage strong blooming. Scatter the fertilizer evenly around the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk, and water it in thoroughly to help the nutrients soak into the soil. Fertilizing at the right time boosts healthy foliage growth and promotes the abundant, vibrant coral-red flowers that Coral Magic Crape Myrtles are prized for. For ongoing care, you can give your Coral Magic Crape Myrtle a light feeding again in midsummer if the plant appears to need an extra boost, but avoid fertilizing too late in the season, as this can encourage tender growth vulnerable to winter damage. Organic options like compost or well-rotted manure can also be worked into the soil around the base to enrich the plant naturally. Always follow package instructions when applying chemical fertilizers to avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers. With the right fertilization schedule, your Coral Magic Crape Myrtles will thrive, delivering spectacular color and healthy growth year after year.

How and When Should I Prune My Coral Magic Crape Myrtle?
You should prune your Coral Magic Crape Myrtle in late winter or very early spring, before new growth starts to emerge. This timing allows you to clearly see the plant’s structure and encourages a flush of fresh growth that will support abundant summer blooms. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Then, thin out some of the interior stems to improve airflow and shape the plant for a balanced, open form. Light pruning will keep your Coral Magic Crape Myrtle healthy and vibrant without sacrificing its natural beauty. When pruning your Coral Magic Crape Myrtle, avoid the common mistake known as "crape murder," where the tops of the plant are severely cut back. Instead, focus on gentle, selective pruning to enhance the plant’s natural shape and maximize its stunning coral-red blooms. Remove spent seed pods from the previous season and any small twiggy growths along the trunk or lower branches. If you want to encourage a second flush of flowers in mid to late summer, you can also lightly deadhead spent blooms after the first flowering cycle. Proper pruning keeps Coral Magic Crape Myrtles thriving, full of color, and structurally strong year after year.