Images Depict Mature Plants
Red Rocket Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Whit IV' Red Rocket
“The Red Rocket Crape Myrtle really earns its name. It’s one of the fastest growers and brightest bloomers in the lineup. You’ll see blooms all summer, fiery red foliage in fall, and great bark color through winter. Whether you’re planting one as a statement tree or lining a driveway with them, Red Rocket gives you show-stopping color without the fuss.”
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Red Rocket Crape Myrtle Tree – Fast-Growing Red Flowering Tree for Brilliant Summer Color
A fireworks display of color all summer long.
The Red Rocket Crape Myrtle is one of the most spectacular red-flowering trees you can grow. From midsummer through fall, it produces large clusters of cherry-red blooms that cover its upright canopy like fireworks. Each branch bursts with color, transforming your yard into a summer showcase. If you’re searching for a fast-growing flowering tree with eye-catching appeal, this is your perfect match.
Big growth, bold color, and unbeatable performance.
Known as one of the fastest-growing Crape Myrtles, Red Rocket can shoot up 3–5 feet per year, maturing into a stately 20- to 25-foot-tall tree. Its smooth, cinnamon-colored bark provides winter interest once the flowers fade, and the deep green foliage turns a glowing orange-red in autumn. This combination of multi-season beauty makes it one of the most rewarding landscape trees for any garden.
Built to thrive in southern heat and cold climates alike.
Developed to perform across USDA Zones 6–9, the Red Rocket Crape Myrtle thrives in hot, sunny environments and remains one of the few red-blooming varieties that can also handle cooler climates. It’s drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and deer-resistant, making it an easy-care option for both homeowners and landscapers who want vibrant color with minimal maintenance.
A versatile landscape statement tree.
Whether used as a specimen tree, a driveway accent, or part of a blooming privacy screen, Red Rocket adds vertical drama and long-lasting color to any space. Its upright habit and vivid red flowers make it a stunning centerpiece in front yards, garden borders, or commercial landscapes. Once established, it delivers year after year of unmatched summer beauty.
| Hardiness Zone: | 6-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 20 to 25 feet |
| Mature Width: | 15 feet |
| Classification: | Tree form large |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Habit: | Deciduous, densely branched, multi-stemmed habit |
| Flower Color: | Ruby Red flowers in mid to late summer through the first frost |
| Foliage: | New growth emerges a rich glossy green, changing to a equally enjoyable ruby red in the fall |
| Soil Condition: | Any well-draining soil |
| Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as a focal point in the mixed border, mass planting, or a specimen planting |
| Water Requirements: | Once established, minimal watering is needed |
How to Care for Red Rocket Crape Myrtle
Before you buy a Red Rocket Crape Myrtle, make sure to read about the care instructions that are required and recommended to keep this plant healthy and flourishing.
How do I plant a Red Rocket Crape Myrtle?
Plant your Red Rocket Crape Myrtle in well-drained soil with full sun exposure — at least 6–8 hours daily. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, but no deeper. Position the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, backfill with native soil, and water deeply. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch to retain moisture and protect the roots. Crape Myrtles thrive in a wide range of soils but perform best in slightly acidic, loamy soil. Avoid planting in poorly drained areas to prevent root rot.
How often should I water my Red Rocket Crape Myrtle?
Water deeply after planting, then 1–2 times weekly during the first growing season to establish strong roots. Once mature, Red Rocket is drought-tolerant, needing supplemental water only during prolonged dry spells. Always water at the base, avoiding the leaves and flowers to reduce disease risk. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and reduces heat stress during peak summer temperatures. Proper watering encourages faster growth and more abundant blooms.
When should I fertilize my Red Rocket Crape Myrtle?
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) as new growth appears. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote excess foliage over flowers. A light second feeding in midsummer can boost color intensity and bloom duration. In poor soils, incorporate compost or organic matter annually to maintain nutrients. Healthy feeding supports vigorous growth, abundant flowering, and strong resistance to environmental stress.
How and when should I prune a Red Rocket Crape Myrtle?
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Since Red Rocket blooms on new wood, pruning stimulates more flower production. Remove dead or crossing branches and shape lightly to maintain its natural upright form. Avoid “crape murder” — excessive topping that weakens the tree and ruins its graceful structure. Annual pruning keeps your Crape Myrtle full, healthy, and covered in vivid red blooms year after year.
