Red Rocket Crape Myrtle - Lagerstroemia indica
Folks looking to line their property with an enduring and beautiful shrub should consider the Red Rocket Crape Myrtle. This shrub is known for displaying beautiful red flowers and possessing an attractive bark. They are fast and easy to grow and show a high tolerance for various soil conditions once established.
The flower petals are like thin, densely wrinkled wrapping paper (crepe paper), which is how it gets its name. This shrub can add decorative value to any modern landscape throughout all year seasons, and it's one of the fastest-growing shrubs.
The typical increase by as much as 5 feet or more per year and have long-lasting red blooms keep everyone mesmerized with beauty. As the word "rocket" suggests, these plants shoot up like a rocket and fan outwards. Expect beautiful 24-inch cherry red clusters of flowers from early July to September.
The leaves on this Crape Myrtle are a dark green, which nicely contrasts the gorgeous red flowers. The flowers start from pinkish to light red and become progressively deeper red as the plant matures over the years.
Caring for your Red Rocket Crape Myrtle
The Red Rocket Crape Myrtle requires average amounts of water once well established, and they tend to be very resistant to cold temperatures. The mature plant reaches 20 – 30 feet and can spread about 15 – 20 feet wide. When planting multiple Crape Myrtles, keeping them at least 10 feet apart is best.
Prune the shrub before spring to help strengthen the root system and adaptability of the bush. These shrubs multiply on the western coast of the United States and throughout the southern states. Please provide them with full sun for at least 6 hours per day. The Red Rocket Crape Myrtle grows well in moist, well-drained soils and tends to be drought-tolerant once established.
