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Crape Myrtle, Red Rocket
Lagerstroemia indica 'Red Rocket'
Red Rocket Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica 'Red Rocket') is a fast-growing crape myrtle variety prized for its bright red blooms and tall, upright growth habit. Blooming from early summer through fall, this variety provides a long-lasting display of color and is a standout choice for large landscape plantings, privacy screens, or street trees. Its ability to grow taller than many other crape myrtles makes it ideal for areas where height is a priority.
Like other crape myrtles, Red Rocket thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, tolerating both acidic and alkaline conditions. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering to maintain peak performance. It is also resistant to powdery mildew and other common crape myrtle diseases, making it a low-maintenance landscape choice. Deer typically avoid it.
Red Rocket reaches a mature height of 15-20 feet with a spread of 10-15 feet, making it one of the taller red-flowering crape myrtles. When planting in rows or as a grouping, spacing of 10-15 feet apart ensures optimal air circulation and canopy expansion. Compared to other red-flowering crape myrtles, it is one of the fastest-growing selections, reaching its mature size quickly.
Compared to Dynamite Crape Myrtle, Red Rocket has a taller and more upright growth habit, making it well-suited for narrower spaces or areas where height is needed. While both varieties boast vibrant red blooms, Red Rocket’s flowers may appear slightly lighter in color in certain conditions, while Dynamite retains a consistently deep red hue. Dynamite also forms a more rounded and compact canopy, making it a better choice for smaller landscapes or medium-sized plantings.
In USDA Zones 7-10, Red Rocket is cold-hardy but deciduous, dropping its leaves in winter to reveal smooth, exfoliating bark. Minimal winter care is required, though mulching around the base of young trees can help insulate roots in colder areas. Pruning in late winter or early spring encourages strong new growth and maximum bloom production.
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Fastest-growing red crape myrtle |
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Tall, upright form |
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Long-lasting blooms |
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 Feet
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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
Available Sizes:
| Item |
Description |
| CRA-ROC-05 |
#005 CRAPE MYRTLE, RED ROCKET |
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| CRA-ROC-15 |
#015 CRAPE MYRTLE, RED ROCKET |
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Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Full Sun |
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Full Sun to Part Shade |
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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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