Name: Lagerstroemia x 'JM4' (Thunderstruck™ White Lightning™ Crape Myrtle)
Average Landscape Size: 20–30 ft. tall × 10–15 ft. wide; upright, vase-shaped habit.
Sun Requirements: Full sun (at least 6 hours) is necessary to maintain the deep, dark foliage color and ensure heavy blooming.
Water Needs: Moderate; water deeply and regularly during the first few growing seasons to establish a strong root system. Once established, it is very drought-tolerant.
Deer Resistance: High (standard for Crape Myrtles, though deer may nibble new growth if other food is scarce).
Cold Hardiness: USDA Zones 6–9; very well-suited for the heat and humidity of the Houston metro area.
Fertilization & Pruning: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring. Prune in late winter only to remove "dead, damaged, or crossing" branches; avoid "crape murder" to preserve its beautiful natural form and smooth bark.
Detailed Description: If you are looking for high-drama color, the 'White Lightning' (often called White Thundercloud due to its series name) is a showstopper. This variety belongs to the Thunderstruck™ series and is famous for its intense, glossy, dark burgundy-to-black foliage. In the heat of the Houston summer, it explodes with clusters of pure, snowy-white flowers that create a stunning visual contrast against the dark leaves.
This tree is a fast grower, often gaining more than two feet of height per year, making it an excellent choice for a quick-growing privacy screen or a majestic specimen tree. Beyond its looks, it is highly resistant to powdery mildew and leaf spot, which are common issues in our humid Texas climate. As it matures, it develops the beautiful, exfoliating bark that Crape Myrtles are known for, providing interest even in the winter months. It’s the perfect blend of tough-as-nails performance and elegant, modern beauty.
Name: Lagerstroemia x 'JM4' (Thunderstruck™ White Lightning™ Crape Myrtle)
Average Landscape Size: 20–30 ft. tall × 10–15 ft. wide; upright, vase-shaped habit.
Sun Requirements: Full sun (at least 6 hours) is necessary to maintain the deep, dark foliage color and ensure heavy blooming.
Water Needs: Moderate; water deeply and regularly during the first few growing seasons to establish a strong root system. Once established, it is very drought-tolerant.
Deer Resistance: High (standard for Crape Myrtles, though deer may nibble new growth if other food is scarce).
Cold Hardiness: USDA Zones 6–9; very well-suited for the heat and humidity of the Houston metro area.
Fertilization & Pruning: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring. Prune in late winter only to remove "dead, damaged, or crossing" branches; avoid "crape murder" to preserve its beautiful natural form and smooth bark.
Detailed Description: If you are looking for high-drama color, the 'White Lightning' (often called White Thundercloud due to its series name) is a showstopper. This variety belongs to the Thunderstruck™ series and is famous for its intense, glossy, dark burgundy-to-black foliage. In the heat of the Houston summer, it explodes with clusters of pure, snowy-white flowers that create a stunning visual contrast against the dark leaves.
This tree is a fast grower, often gaining more than two feet of height per year, making it an excellent choice for a quick-growing privacy screen or a majestic specimen tree. Beyond its looks, it is highly resistant to powdery mildew and leaf spot, which are common issues in our humid Texas climate. As it matures, it develops the beautiful, exfoliating bark that Crape Myrtles are known for, providing interest even in the winter months. It’s the perfect blend of tough-as-nails performance and elegant, modern beauty.