Red Rocket Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

Red rocket crape myrtle just like their name shoots up like rockets. These trees grow up to 30 feet spreading to 20 feet.

Red rocket grows well in all soils. As long as the soils are fertile, moist, well drained, then the tree will do well. Full sun is ideal, though part sun does not do these trees any harm.

When planting spacing the trees to 10 feet is ideal to allow them spread well. These trees grow fast and in a year they can grow up to 5 feet giving you beautiful red flowers.

They have a well established root structure which supports rapid growth. Pruning should be done before spring to strengthen the root system to allow the trees adapt to any location. Again, pruning gives the trees fuller look and allows them to have thicker blooms.

The bloom time is experience throughout summer that is in between July to September where the trees produce huge clusters of cherry red flowers. The flowers are light red in the first year, but get deeper each year.

Red rockets crape myrtle trees are all season and adds ornamental value to landscaping all year with new red growth, a very unique bark, showy flowers and fall color.

The trees are deer resistant and they can either be planted alone or merged with other trees. Most people love to mix them with other flowering trees, but these beautiful trees can stand perfectly well on their own. Their dark green foliage which is usually dense rhymes so well with the red flowers breaking the monotony.

When not well established, it is good to water them regularly to avoid drying up. But once established these trees can do well in dry conditions and are resistant to drought.

They thrive well in cold places with zones 6-9 and are highly mildew resistant.