Apparently, Black Diamond is the trade name for a new series of crApe myrtles.

The individual cultivars include:
'Best Red'
'Blush'
'Crimson Red'
'Pure Pink'
'Pure White'
'Red Hot'

There doesn't appear to be much info on the cultivars or the series.

I strongly suspect that Black Diamond reproduces Delta Jazz (Lagerstroemia indica 'Chocolate Mocha') and peddles it without a patent or trademarked name. Those cupped leaves are very characteristic the Chocolate Mocha.

It's a suspicion not an accusation, mind you. I've seen that kind of activity countless times, though.

I've lost the tag, rhizo, but I wonder if you're right. I'll go to HD tomorrow and look at the ones they still have and see what info is there. This one has dark red blooms, though. However, it is pretty potbound, and if I don't get it planted tomorrow, I'm afraid it will be L. i. 'Black Death'.

I went to the nursery and looked at these. The tag didn't give much info, but they do have a website, but these are new and aren't on it. However, it's all over their facebook page.

Here is a link that might be useful: Black Diamond on Facebook

Plant Me Green is the grower/distributor of the Black Diamond...I found their website and a label for this plant. I am still mystified by the lack of a patent number on the cultivar or a trademark on the name.

Enjoy it and keep us posted on it as it matures and develops.

Mine came from J. Berry, which is here in Texas, and no patent or trademark on their label, either.

Hmmmmm, I contacted the Plant Me Green people and they said that J Berry Nursery owns the TRADEMARK on the Black Diamond name. I'm wondering who owns the patented rights of propagation on the plant?

O, well.

The Black Diamonds were bred by a USDA breeder and are just now being introduced by J Berry Nursery who owns the trademark on the name. Unfortunately the USDA elected not to patent these plants.

Probably because they are so much like the 'Delta Jazz ' series. A plant needs to be clearly unique for a new patent to be issued.

I emailed the company to ask whether they are available in Atlanta, GA. They replied within one day to say that "this fall" I might start seeing some in my market, and until then to check out Plant Me Green.

LSU Ag Center has done some features on these plants.

Here is a link that might be useful: Youtube - Black Diamond Crape Myrtle

We got confirmation from the breeder that Black Diamond is a repackaging of the non-patented Ebony series. If you can find the plant you are free to propagate it to your hearts content.

Here is a link that might be useful: Solving the Mystery of the Black Diamond Crepe Myrtle Series

Dave, that's interesting. The one I got last year is doing great and is blooming now. I'm going to get one with white blooms today.

I just planted 2 of these today. Wondering if you could post a pic of yours now.?