Tree Thunderstruck™ White Lightning™ Crape Myrtle

Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia ‘Thunderstruck® White Lightning’

Common Name: Thunderstruck White Lightning Crape Myrtle

Mature Height and Width:
15–20' tall × 8–12' wide

Growth Habit:
Upright, narrow ornamental tree with strong vertical framework. Typically trained to a single trunk or tight multi-stem form. Canopy develops a columnar to narrow oval outline with ascending primary branches. Moderate growth rate.

Foliage Description:
Very dark burgundy to near-black foliage throughout the growing season. Leaves elliptic with smooth margins. Dense but structured canopy with visible vertical branching beneath bloom clusters.

Flower Description:
Upright terminal panicles of bright white crinkled flowers. Panicles moderately large and well-defined, held above dark foliage. Strong contrast between white blooms and near-black leaves.

Bloom Time:
Mid to late summer.

Fall Color:
Foliage may deepen to maroon before leaf drop in cooler climates.

Light Requirements:
Full sun required for best bloom production and darkest foliage color.

Hardiness Zone:
USDA Zones 6–9 (reliable in Zone 7; protected or warmer Zone 6 sites).

Notable Landscape Uses:
Vertical lawn specimen; narrow foundation accent; patio-adjacent focal point; streetscape planting; summer flowering contrast tree.

Deer Resistance:
Moderate
Young growth may be browsed under heavy pressure.

Additional Ornamental Feature:
Smooth bark on mature trunks with subtle exfoliation.