Portfolio Crape Myrtle

About this plant

Ignite your garden with the electrifying beauty of the Portfolio Crape Myrtle 'Thunderstruck Lavender Skies'. This exceptional cultivar is a showstopper, renowned for its dramatic, near-black leaves that provide a striking backdrop to its profusion of vibrant lavender-purple flowers. Each bloom is a miniature masterpiece, unfurling in dense clusters from summer through fall, ensuring a long season of breathtaking color. More than just beautiful, 'Thunderstruck Lavender Skies' is a resilient and adaptable ornamental tree, engineered for robust performance. It offers excellent disease resistance, including good powdery mildew resistance, a common concern for many crape myrtles. Its upright, yet spreading habit makes it a versatile choice, perfect as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or adding vibrant color to streetscapes. Transform your outdoor space into a sanctuary of sophisticated color with this premium selection from A Cut Above. Its vibrant hues and resilient nature make it an unbeatable choice for discerning gardeners seeking both beauty and ease of care.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry spells, especially during establishment. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and promote vigorous flowering. Remove spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.