Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

12-15 Feet

Mature Spread

8-12 Feet

Growing Zones

6 to 9

Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle electrifies summer plantings with coral flowers set against near-black glossy foliage. This compact Lagerstroemia x 'JM5' grows quickly into a small deciduous tree or large shrub with a full upright habit. Flower clusters open from early summer into fall, keeping color on the plant through the hottest part of the season. We see this as a strong front-yard specimen due to its continuous blooms, handsome branching, and attractive bark during the off season.

This Thunderstruck™ series selection matures about 12 to 15 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide, giving it enough size for presence without overwhelming smaller landscapes. The coral blooms stand out clearly against the dark leaves, while fall foliage can brighten to red before leaf drop. Once established, it handles heat, urban conditions, and dry spells with less attention than many flowering trees. Use it as a lawn accent, sunny border anchor, driveway planting, or informal screen where the dark foliage can contrast with lighter plants nearby.

Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle Care

Plant Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light each day for the strongest flowering and darkest foliage. It grows best in rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH, and alkaline soils may cause leaf yellowing. Avoid low wet areas, since crape myrtles perform better when the root zone drains freely.

Water deeply every few days during the first month after planting, then reduce to weekly watering as new roots develop. Established plants tolerate drought, but a slow soak during long dry stretches supports better bloom production. Feed in spring as new growth begins with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. This deciduous plant rests without leaves in winter.

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears, removing dead wood, weak interior stems, and crossing branches. Avoid severe topping, which creates awkward regrowth and can reduce the natural shape. If grown as a multi-trunk tree, thin small suckers at the base and keep the strongest trunks clean for a more finished look.

Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle Spacing

Space Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle 8 to 12 feet from nearby shrubs, walls, and other small trees. For container growing, use a large 25-gallon or larger pot with drainage and choose a sunny site where heat reflects well without trapping water. The best companion plants for this crape myrtle include agastache, red hot poker, sedum, and juniper bushes due to their similar preference for ample drainage and sun.

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