Red Rocket Crape Myrtle

'Red Rocket' crape myrtles are simply amazing trees. Topping out at 20 to 30 ft. they are a very fast growing tree that fills with gorgeous clusters of bright red blooms from July to September, and both beautiful, hearty, and very drought resistant once established.

The blooms of a crape myrtle are a magnificent display that attract flocks of hummingbirds and butterflies through the summer months. These red crape myrtles produce 6” to 12” clusters of red flowers that can last for many weeks or even months. The leaves of crape myrtles are a unique glossy red/green and the growth rate of a crape myrtle is incredible, these trees can create shoots of new growth of more than a foot in just a few short weeks.

As they grow, crape myrtles can be trained into a clump of trees or keep a shrub like form. This characteristic makes them perfect for a number situations, such as the center piece of a garden or yard, a backdrop in front of a fence, lining a drive, or planting on the corner of a house.

The one downside of these trees is that they have a weakness to prolonged cold, and this should be taken into account when purchasing and planting them. For this reason we've begun to focus on more cold tolerant cultivars that can overwinter at - 10 degrees, which is zone 6 or higher. In cooler areas, it helps to protect crape myrtles from harsh winter winds by shielding them with other trees or a building. 

For you plant nerds out there (Travis included) you can find a more detailed accounting of the history and genetics of the red rocket crape myrtle here: www.drcarlwhitcomb.com

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.