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Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle

$7995
Height
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Risk-Free 1 Year Warranty
Use code "FALL10" for an extra 10% off!

Your Plants are Guaranteed to Grow

Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If your tree arrives damaged or dies within 30 days, we'll replace it for free. If it dies after 30 days, but before 1 year, we will replace it for just 50% of the current price.

Free Shipping on All Orders

Relax... we've got you covered with free shipping on every order! We ship out so many huge plants, we've negotiated a low rate with our carriers... and we pass those savings on to you! Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!

Is Now a Good Time to Plant?

Yes! Fall is one of the best times to plant!

Landscaping experts often recommend planting in fall instead of waiting until spring. Here’s why:

  • Cooler weather puts less stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
  • Fall soil is still warm, which helps roots grow and get established.
  • Cooler temperatures mean less water is lost through the leaves, making it easier for plants to stay hydrated.
  • Even after top growth slows for winter, roots continue developing below ground.
  • Fall weather often brings more rain and less heat, making new plants easier to care for.
  • By spring, your plants already have a head start. Their established roots can support strong new leaves, branches, and flowers.
  • Trees planted in spring must establish their roots while also dealing with rising temperatures and summer heat.

Plant this fall, and your trees can spend the cooler months getting settled instead of waiting until spring to get started!

Planting your Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle

Planting Instructions for Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

  1. Soil Preparation & Site Selection:
    Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle thrives in well-draining soil, but it can adapt to various soil types, including sandy or clay soils. Ideally, the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0). Select a site that receives full sun, as Crape Myrtles need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure abundant blooms. While it tolerates partial shade, too little sun may result in fewer flowers.
  2. Digging & Planting:
    Dig a hole that is slightly shallower than the root ball and twice as wide. The top of the root ball should sit just above ground level, as Crape Myrtles don’t like being planted too deeply. The mound technique can help improve drainage in areas prone to waterlogging. After placing the plant in the hole, backfill with the native soil, mixing in some compost if the soil is poor, to provide extra nutrients and improve texture.
  3. Spacing:
    When planting multiple Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtles, space them about 8–10 feet apart. This allows them to grow without overcrowding while providing enough room for air circulation, which helps reduce disease risks like powdery mildew.
  4. Initial Watering & Mulching:
    Water thoroughly right after planting to help the soil settle around the roots. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Mulch helps conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth.

Care Instructions During Establishment

  1. Watering:
    Water your newly planted Crape Myrtle deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the first year as it establishes its root system. Once established, Coral Boom™ is drought-tolerant and will only need occasional watering during dry periods.
  2. Fertilization:
    Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10). This encourages healthy growth and flowering. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. You can also topdress with compost or organic matter in the spring for added nutrients.
  3. Monitoring:
    Keep an eye out for signs of stress, such as wilting or leaf discoloration, which may indicate issues with watering (either too much or too little). Regularly check the mulch to ensure it's helping retain moisture without smothering the base of the tree.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

  1. Pruning:
    Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle requires minimal pruning to maintain its natural shape. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged branches and any suckers that appear around the base. Avoid heavy pruning (also known as "Crape Murder"), as this can ruin the plant's form and lead to weaker growth.
  2. Pest & Disease Control:
    This variety of Crape Myrtle is resistant to powdery mildew and leaf spot, common issues in other varieties. However, still monitor for pests such as aphids, Japanese beetles, and scale insects. If you notice infestations, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs to help keep pests under control naturally.
  3. Seasonal Care:
    Coral Boom™ is hardy in USDA zones 7–9. In colder areas, apply a thick layer of mulch in late fall to insulate the roots from freezing temperatures. In areas with hot, dry summers, maintain consistent watering to prevent drought stress. This variety handles heat well and will bloom continuously through the summer.
What Customers say about the Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle:

The Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle thrives in Zones 6-9

Growing Zones for the Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle.

Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 6-9
Mature Height 12-15 ft.
Mature Width 8-10 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Full Sun
Botanical Name Lagerstroemia indica 'Coral Boom'

Plants that Make a Difference

For 20+ years, our team has shipped healthy, established plants to gardeners like you- all across the country. Every plant is selected and cared for by our plant experts before it ships to your door.

  • 20+ Years Experience

  • Superior Quality

  • Free Shipping on All Orders

  • Guaranteed to Grow

Beware- not all Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtles are the same.

Be sure to get superior crape myrtles, grown by experts.

Better Roots Make Stronger Plants: Some nurseries send you "bare root" crape myrtles to save on shipping. Even worse, others have started digging them right out of the ground before shipping. This causes major transplant shock and long-term damage. We send you Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtles in soil-filled containers- ensuring a well-developed root system that will explode with growth and blooms!

Healthy Plants: We've seen other nurseries grow tall crape myrtles in tiny pots to save on shipping. This leads to a "root bound" tree, where the roots have outgrown their pot- they cannot absorb water and nutrients. They quickly dry out during shipment, leading to an unhealthy tree.

The Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle pairs glowing coral flowers with almost-black leaves for a dramatic look.

  • Large clusters of coral-pink flowers from mid-summer into fall
  • Deep, almost black foliage makes the blooms seem to glow
  • Fast-growing, upright tree 12-15 ft. tall and 8-10 ft. wide
  • Bred to resist powdery mildew and leaf spot, hardy in zones 6-9

Not all plants are created equal

The Difference Is in the Roots

Every plant we ship has grown in a nursery container with its roots protected, so it arrives healthy, established and ready to thrive in your yard.

A full, branched Nationwide Plants tree in a nursery pot next to a thin bare-root tree with exposed roots Ours: container grown Theirs: bare root
Nationwide Plants Other Nurseries
How it's grown Grown in a nursery container, roots protected the whole time Pulled or dug from the field, tearing fragile roots
How it arrives Arrives in its pot with soil intact Arrives bare root, exposed and drying out
Before shipping Growing naturally until it ships Held dormant in a cooler, then shocked by a hot shipping box
Root health Strong, well-developed roots with room to grow Crammed into a small pot until it's root bound
Height Measured from the top of the soil Often includes the pot and roots
After planting Settles in quickly with less transplant shock Arrives stressed and can take years to recover, if it does

The height you see is the height you plant.

We measure every plant from the top of the soil, not the bottom of the pot. Many nurseries include the pot and roots, so a "5–6 ft." tree from them might stand only 4 ft. tall once it's planted.

Comparisons reflect common practices across the online plant industry, not any single company.

Honest Measurements: Some nurseries measure trees including the pot and roots, so their "4-5 ft." tree may only be about half that size when planted. We measure all of our plants from the soil line, so the height you see is what you can expect after planting.

From our nursery to your door

How We Ship Your Plants

Every order is hand-selected, watered and carefully packed so it arrives healthy and ready to plant. Here's what happens after you place your order.

  1. Hand-Picked for You

    Our team selects the best plant available for your order. For privacy trees, that's the tallest and fullest. For fruit trees, it's the best branched.

    Why it matters: Many online nurseries ship whatever is next in the row.

  2. A Deep Drink Before the Trip

    Every plant gets a thorough watering right before it's packed, so it starts the journey fully hydrated.

  3. Roots Sealed In

    We wrap the pot and roots in plastic to lock in moisture, so your plant has water to drink all the way to your door.

    Why it matters: Bare-root plants are often shipped with their roots exposed and drying out.

  4. Braced for the Ride

    Cardboard inserts are secured inside every box to hold your plant in place, so it won't slide, tip or get damaged in transit.

  5. Shipped Only by FedEx

    We ship your trees exclusively with FedEx. We've found they deliver the fastest and handle live plants the most gently.

And if anything goes wrong, every plant is backed by our 1 Year Warranty.

Healthy Roots Make a Huge Difference

  • Never buy bare-root plants. These trees are starved of nutrients, and have a low survival rate.
  • Beware of nurseries cut corners by growing in small pots. These "rootbound" plants are weak, struggle to absorb nutrients, and die quickly after planting.
  • Some nurseries try to sell oversized plants, but chop off vital roots so they can cram the rootball into a narrow box to save on shipping!

You Want Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtles Grown by Experts

Some nurseries ship thin, weak crape myrtles grown in tiny pots to save money. These "root bound" trees struggle after planting and take longer to fill out and bloom well.

Nationwide Plants only sends you strong Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtles, selected and cared for by our plant experts, with healthy, developed root systems. That means your tree settles in quickly and starts giving you those glowing coral blooms sooner.

Read more about the Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle

Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle- Low-Maintenance Blooms that Last All Summer

Stunning Coral Blooms with Dramatic Foliage – A Showstopper for Your Landscape

Add a vibrant splash of color to your garden with the Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle—a breathtaking tree that combines gorgeous coral-pink flowers with striking dark foliage for an unforgettable display. This crape myrtle is not only known for its abundant, bright blooms but also for its hardiness and easy care. With a long blooming season, fast growth, and exceptional disease resistance, the Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle is an excellent choice for homeowners looking to elevate their outdoor spaces with a low-maintenance, high-impact tree.

Eye-Catching Appearance

The Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle offers a truly dynamic look with its unique combination of deep, almost black leaves and vibrant coral-pink flowers. Its upright, multi-stemmed form is covered in dense, showy flower clusters from mid-summer to fall, creating a vivid contrast against the dark foliage. As the flowers bloom, they almost seem to glow, drawing attention and adding elegance to any garden setting.

This fast-growing tree typically reaches 10-12 feet in height, making it perfect for creating privacy screens, accenting garden beds, or adding height and color to your landscape. As a bonus, its blooms persist well into the fall, providing months of stunning color long after many other plants have finished blooming.

Why Choose the Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle?

  • Vibrant Coral Blooms: The Coral Boom™ variety is known for its bright, eye-catching flowers. These coral-pink blooms contrast beautifully against its dark foliage, creating a striking focal point in your garden.
  • Unique Foliage: Unlike typical crape myrtles, this variety boasts deep, purplish-black leaves that hold their color throughout the growing season, adding a dramatic backdrop to the vibrant blooms.
  • Long Blooming Season: Enjoy months of color, with blooms appearing from mid-summer and lasting well into the fall.
  • Low Maintenance: This crape myrtle is resistant to common diseases like powdery mildew, making it incredibly easy to care for. Its drought tolerance also makes it a great option for water-conscious gardeners.
  • Cold Hardy: The Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle is hardy in USDA Zones 7-10, tolerating heat, humidity, and mild winters with ease.

Ideal Placement and Uses

  • Ornamental Gardens: The Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle’s stunning color and unique foliage make it an excellent choice for ornamental gardens or as a specimen tree. It draws attention and adds a tropical feel to any landscape.
  • Privacy Screens & Hedges: Plant this tree in rows along property lines or garden edges to create a vibrant privacy screen that’s both functional and beautiful.
  • Foundation Planting: Its compact size and eye-catching blooms make the Coral Boom™ ideal for planting near your home’s foundation, where it adds texture and color without overwhelming the space.
  • Patio & Poolside Planting: Its upright form and dazzling flowers make it a perfect addition to patios and pool areas, where it brings height and tropical color to outdoor living spaces.

Growing Tips

  • Light: Plant your Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle in full sun to ensure maximum flower production and foliage color. It thrives with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
  • Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, this crape myrtle is fairly drought-tolerant but will perform best with consistent moisture.
  • Soil: The Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle prefers well-drained soil, though it can tolerate a variety of soil types, including clay and sandy soils.
  • Fertilization: Feed in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning is required, but you can prune in late winter or early spring to shape the tree and encourage vigorous new growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches as needed.

Why Buy from Nationwide Plants?

At Nationwide Plants, we are dedicated to providing the healthiest, highest-quality plants, so you can enjoy a thriving, beautiful garden. When you order a Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle from us, you’ll receive:

  • Expertly grown plants that are ready to flourish in your garden or landscape.
  • Fast, reliable shipping to ensure your tree arrives in excellent condition.
  • Detailed care instructions and ongoing customer support to help you succeed.

With its vibrant blooms, striking foliage, and low-maintenance care, the Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle is the perfect addition to any landscape. Whether you’re looking for a focal point or a reliable, colorful hedge, this crape myrtle delivers unmatched beauty and performance.

Order your Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle today and create a garden that’s as easy to care for as it is beautiful!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Thunderstruck™ Coral Boom™ Crape Myrtle

How big does Thunderstruck Coral Boom Crape Myrtle get?

Thunderstruck Coral Boom Crape Myrtle grows about 12 to 15 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide with an upright, multi-stemmed form. It is a fast grower, making it useful as a focal point, a colorful accent in garden beds, or a flowering screen.

What color are Coral Boom Crape Myrtle flowers and leaves?

Thunderstruck Coral Boom Crape Myrtle has vibrant coral-pink flower clusters set against deep, almost black foliage. The dark leaves make the blooms seem to glow, creating a dramatic contrast that stands out in any landscape from summer into fall. Even before it flowers, the dark foliage adds rich color to the garden.

When does Coral Boom Crape Myrtle bloom?

Thunderstruck Coral Boom Crape Myrtle blooms from mid-summer into fall, producing large, dense clusters of coral flowers. The blooms persist well into autumn, providing months of color after many other shrubs and trees have finished flowering. Full sun and a light spring feeding help maximize the display.

What zones does Thunderstruck Coral Boom Crape Myrtle grow in?

Thunderstruck Coral Boom Crape Myrtle is listed for USDA zones 6 through 9. In the colder parts of its range, apply a thick layer of mulch in late fall to insulate the roots, and in hot, dry summers keep watering consistent to prevent drought stress.

How much sun does Coral Boom Crape Myrtle need?

Thunderstruck Coral Boom Crape Myrtle needs full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, to produce abundant blooms and the richest dark foliage color. It tolerates partial shade, but too little sun results in fewer flowers and can make the foliage less deeply colored and the plant more open.

How far apart should I plant Coral Boom Crape Myrtles?

Space Thunderstruck Coral Boom Crape Myrtles about 8 to 10 feet apart. This spacing prevents overcrowding and provides good air circulation, which helps reduce disease risk and lets each tree develop its natural upright shape. Planted in a row at this spacing, they can form a colorful summer screen.

Is Coral Boom Crape Myrtle resistant to powdery mildew?

Yes, Thunderstruck Coral Boom Crape Myrtle is bred for strong resistance to powdery mildew and leaf spot, two common crape myrtle problems. It may still attract aphids, Japanese beetles, or scale, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

How do you prune a Coral Boom Crape Myrtle?

Prune Thunderstruck Coral Boom Crape Myrtle lightly in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged branches and suckers at the base. Avoid heavy topping, known as crape murder, which ruins the natural form and leads to weaker growth.

How often should I water a new Coral Boom Crape Myrtle?

Water a newly planted Thunderstruck Coral Boom Crape Myrtle deeply once or twice a week, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged through the first year. Once established, it is drought tolerant and needs only occasional watering during dry periods.

Can Coral Boom Crape Myrtle ship to Arizona or Oregon?

No, Thunderstruck Coral Boom Crape Myrtle cannot be shipped to Arizona or Oregon due to state plant shipping restrictions. For other states it is available in 2 to 3 foot, 3 to 4 foot, and 4 to 5 foot sizes.
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