Mortellaro's Nursery
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Crape Myrtle, Dynamite
Lagerstroemia indica 'Dynamite'
Dynamite Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica 'Dynamite') is a striking crape myrtle variety known for its vibrant, deep red blooms and upright growth habit. One of the most intense red-flowering crape myrtles available, it blooms from early summer through fall, making it a standout in any Texas landscape. This variety is a popular choice for specimen trees, street plantings, and privacy screens, thanks to its dense canopy and strong branching structure.
Dynamite Crape Myrtle thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, tolerating both acidic and alkaline conditions. It is highly drought tolerant once established but benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells. This cultivar is resistant to powdery mildew and other common crape myrtle diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice for homeowners and landscapers. Deer typically avoid it, adding to its resilience.
This variety grows to a mature height of 15-20 feet with a spread of 10-15 feet, forming a rounded canopy. When planting in rows or as a grouping, spacing of 10-15 feet apart allows for proper air circulation and healthy growth. Unlike some crape myrtles that fade over time, the blooms of Dynamite maintain their bold red color throughout the season.
Compared to Red Rocket Crape Myrtle, another red-flowering variety, Dynamite has a more compact and rounded growth habit, while Red Rocket tends to grow slightly taller and less wide - generally. The columnar form, making it a better choice for narrower spaces. While both varieties feature rich red flowers, Red Rocket’s blooms may appear slightly lighter in some conditions, whereas Dynamite retains its deep red coloration more consistently. Both varieties share similar heat tolerance and disease resistance, but Dynamite is often preferred for medium-height plantings, while Red Rocket works better for taller landscape focal points.
In USDA Zones 7-10, Dynamite Crape Myrtle is cold-hardy but deciduous, dropping its leaves in winter to reveal attractive exfoliating bark. It requires minimal winter care, though mulching young trees can provide insulation in colder areas. Pruning in late winter or early spring helps encourage vigorous new growth and abundant flowering.
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Brilliant red flowers |
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Disease resistant |
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Drought tolerant |
Flower Color:Dark Red |
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Height:15-20 Feet |
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Spread:10-15 Feet |
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Spacing:10-15 ft |
Interesting Notes
When introduced, it was described as 15 foot mature size. In recent years others are finding it at 20 feet, while some sources state 30'. Ones we have planted in the ground are over 10 years old and at 15-18 feet.
USDA Hardiness Zone 7a
Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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