Red Crepe Myrtle Shrubs
Red Crepe Myrtle is an ornamental and deciduous tree with gorgeous exfoliating bark and brilliant red blooms that bloom from summer through early fall. It's a fast-growing tree that stays relatively small and offers deep red blooms in late summer.
It's one of the last flowering trees in late summer, and it stays in bloom for up to 6 weeks. This is the number one flowering shrub we sell at TN Nursery.
Carolina Red Crepe Myrtle
Carolina Red Crepe Myrtle is admired for its classic form and rich crimson blooms that brighten landscapes throughout summer. With a graceful multi-trunk structure and balanced canopy, it serves beautifully as a specimen tree or accent along property lines.
This variety thrives in sunny locations and adapts well to various soil types as long as they are well-drained. Its vibrant flowers create strong curb appeal, while the attractive bark texture adds year-round character. Carolina Red is known for dependable flowering, heat tolerance, and overall durability, making it a trusted choice for gardeners seeking lasting color and easy care in warm climates.

Dynamite Red Crepe Myrtle

Tonto Red Crepe Myrtle

Noteworthy Traits of the Red Crepe Myrtle Tree
Red Crepe Myrtle will attract many kinds of pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers. Bees and butterflies will love to visit this tree! This tree will also attract hummingbirds to your garden. Its peeling bark is completely natural and one of the reasons it is a beloved tree for the landscape.
How our plants look when you receive them

Customer Reviews
Ordered 6 carolina reds. All arrived in great shape. I soaked and planted them. Time will tell how they do in Kansas. Looking forward to them leaving out
I received my dormant BOGO Red Crepe Myrtle trees quickly and they were packaged nicely. I ordered 3'-4' and they both were 3'. Last year I planted a huge pollinator garden and decided to plant these trees close to the garden to add to the attraction of bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. I've **** bought dormant bare root saplings before so hopefully they grow well and add beauty to my yard for years to come.
I was hesitant given some poor reviews I had seen but the price and the BOGO sale made my project in my reach financially. I ordered 24 trees. I received 52, (BOGO plus 4 extra). They arrived in a smaller box than expected but were well packed. All were about the diameter of a pencil up to 1/2” and about 2’ tall. Several had started to bud already. All 52 trees were planted the next day and as I was planting, I was happy to see each tree had been scratch tested. There were a few that were questionable on the scratch test with just a faint green showing and I guess that is why they included a few extra. Very satisfied customer here!
I received my bare-root crepe myrtle plants early this year and immediately potted them. I have **** worked with bare root plants before but I was hopeful I could be successful;. I was! Over the summer they sprouted and filled out beautifully. I gave one to my brother for his new house and kept one for my house. I can't wait for them to mature enough to produce blooms, but the leaves alone are gorgeous. I plan to make future purchases from TN Nursery and continue to share that with fellow gardeners.
I bought my Red Crape Myrtle from TN Nursery and couldn’t be happier. The tree is vibrant, easy to maintain, and adds so much color to my landscape. The red blossoms are absolutely gorgeous and last for months. TN Nursery’s commitment to quality is clear, and I’m already planning my next purchase with them.
What is the rarest color of crepe myrtle?
The rarest color of Crepe Myrtle is true purple or red. These unique shades stand out beautifully among the more common pinks, whites, and reds. Their rich, vibrant color adds a striking touch to any garden.
How big do red crape myrtles get?
Red Crepe Myrtles typically grow 15 to 25 feet tall with a wide, rounded canopy. They produce brilliant red blooms that last throughout summer. With full sun and minimal care, they grow strong and make a stunning landscape feature.
What is the lifespan of a red crape myrtle?
A Red Crepe Myrtle can live 70 years or more with proper care. It stays healthy and vibrant when planted in full sun and well-drained soil. This long-lived tree provides lasting color and beauty for decades.
Exposure
Red Crepe Myrtle flourishes in full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours of total sunlight daily. This exposure promotes vibrant blooms and strong growth, making it ideal for bright, sunny spots in your garden.
Height at Maturity
Under 25 Feet
Usage
Flowering
Shipped As
Bare-root
Ships
UPS
Planting Zones
6-10
How To Grow
How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Trees
Bare root trees are shipped dormant without soil, making them lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to plant during the cool months of early spring or fall. To begin, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4–6 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and ample space for the tree’s mature size.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the spread of the roots and deep enough to keep the root flare (where the roots begin to spread from the trunk) at or slightly above ground level. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole, spread the roots evenly over it, backfill with native soil, and gently tamp down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.
Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) during the first growing season, and apply mulch around the base—avoiding direct contact with the trunk—to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Stake the tree if necessary, and prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. With proper care, your bare root tree will establish quickly and grow strong for years to come.