Images Depict Mature Plants
Tuscarora Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei 'Tuscarora'
Tuscarora Crape Myrtle Trees produce a Coral-Pink flower. But these are no one trick pony. You'll get the flowers but as added bonuses you get great fall color and the peeling bark that Crape Myrtles are famous for. We think the Cinnamon colored bark is actually the real show stopper.
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The Tuscarora Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei 'Tuscarora') was developed in 1981 by the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C., through a program focused on creating a Crape Myrtle that was not susceptible to powdery mildew. A huge success, this cultivar is likely the most mildew-resistant Crape Myrtle on the market today. For other enhanced Crape Myrtles, read our blog Today's Crape Myrtles.
This classic southern tree produces soft, coral-pink flower blossoms in late spring that can last until the first frost. Accenting these blooms is rich green foliage that provides some shade below. In the fall, the leaves transform into orange, red, and yellow hues that fit perfectly with the autumn months. Once these leaves fall away, the light cinnamon-colored, smooth bark remains, giving the tree year-round interest.
Ideal for growing zones 6-9, this adaptable tree can tolerate zone 6 but may not grow as tall and may require extra care to protect it from harsh winters.
The Tuscarora Crepe Myrtle is resilient; it is deer-resistant, disease and pest-resistant, drought-tolerant. It is perfect for new gardeners looking to add some color to their gardens.
Only growing to 20 feet tall, the Tuscarora is not the largest Crape Myrtle out there and can be planted as a small tree. Since these deciduous trees don’t grow as tall, they are perfect for yards with limited planting space. They are also perfect as a privacy screen or large hedge when planted together in a line. This conspicuous tree is sure to shine whether you place it in a mixed garden, or as a specimen plant in the center of your yard.
| Hardiness Zone: | 6-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 12 to 20 feet |
| Mature Width: | 10 to 14 feet |
| Classification: | Tree form mid-size (10 to 20 feet) |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Habit: | Deciduous, densely branched, multi-stemmed habit |
| Flower Color: | Dark coral-Pink flowers in mid to late summer through the first frost |
| Foliage: | New growth emerges a rich dark green, changing to a equally vibrant orange-red in the fall |
| Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as a focal point in the mixed border, mass planting, or a specimen planting. Small enough for a large containers on the patio |
How to Care for Tuscarora Crape Myrtle
Be sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving!
How do I plant my Crepe Myrtle Tree?
The Tuscarora prefers full sun, so it is best to pick a spot where it will not have to compete for the afternoon rays with taller trees. Dig a hole that is wider, but no deeper than the container it came in. After placing your tree in the hole, fill the hole back in with the soil you removed earlier, and pack down. Be sure not to cover any limbs with the soil. Once this is complete, give your tree a good watering and cover with hardwood mulch.
How often do I water my Tuscarora Crape Myrtle?
Although it is drought tolerant, the Tuscarora Crape Myrtle thrives when maintained in moist soil. When the tree is young, water twice weekly until the roots have established. After that, reduce your watering to once a week. A good way to test if your tree is thirsty, stick your finger in the surrounding soil. If it's dry, give it some water.
What kind of soil is best for Tuscarora Crape MyrtleTrees?
While able to withstand most soil types, this Crape Myrtle prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil. If you decide to fertilize your tree, opt for a multi-purpose, slow-release fertilizer and apply once early in the spring. A common myth is that heavy fertilizing will increase the abundance of blooms. However, giving your tree too much fertilizer that is high in nitrogen will support foliage growth, at the expense of your blooms. When it comes to the Crape Myrtle, less is more.
How do I prune my Crape Myrtle?
When pruning a young tree, you can remove excess limbs, but 3 to 7 trunks are standard for a Crape Myrtle. While pruning can be used to limit the growth of your plant, over-pruning can be harmful to the tree. It is best to shop for a Crape Myrtle that is the right size for your space, then prune sparingly. Ideally, you should remove dead, dying, or crowded branches and suckers (or extra limbs growing from beneath the ground). In order to allow your tree proper time to bloom, pruning should be done in late winter.
