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Reblooming Red Color and Dark Foliage for Sunny Spaces
A Compact Crape Myrtle With Two Seasons of Drama
Double Dynamite® Crape Myrtle is a standout choice for homeowners who want a crape myrtle that does more than just bloom once. This variety brings deep purple new foliage in spring, followed by large double flower clusters that open bright pink and deepen into intense cherry red. That layered combination of color gives the plant a bold, changing look that feels lively and eye-catching all summer.
The foliage is one of the first things that makes this plant special. Before the flowers even begin, the leaves already bring strong contrast and visual depth to the landscape. For sunny gardens that need something colorful and polished from the very start of the season, Double Dynamite has real ornamental presence.
Double Flowers That Keep the Plant Looking Full and Rich
One of the strongest reasons to choose Double Dynamite is its bloom style. The flowers are full and double, which gives them a richer, more textured look than many standard crape myrtle blooms. As the color shifts from bright pink to cherry red, the plant feels even more dynamic and layered.
That fuller flower form makes this variety especially useful where the blooms will be seen up close, such as near patios, walkways, entry gardens, and seating areas. It has the kind of flower detail that rewards close viewing while still bringing strong curb appeal from farther away.
Reblooming Color for a Longer Summer Display
Double Dynamite is especially valuable because it is known for reblooming. Instead of offering one flush and fading into the background, it can continue putting on color through summer when conditions are right and spent blooms are removed. That helps the landscape stay lively at a time of year when many earlier bloomers are already finished.
This reblooming habit gives homeowners more value from a single plant. It is a great choice for anyone who wants dependable summer color in a compact ornamental that keeps working harder than many one-cycle flowering shrubs or small trees.
A Rounded Upright Form That Fits Smaller Landscapes
Double Dynamite is also appealing because it stays in a very usable size range for residential landscapes. It has a rounded, upright habit that works well in smaller front-yard beds, patio borders, sunny foundation plantings, and accent groupings. It offers enough height and width to feel substantial, but it does not demand the space of a large tree-form crape myrtle.
That makes it a strong fit for homeowners who want a flowering focal plant that feels bold without becoming too large. It can be used as a specimen, repeated in a sunny border, or planted where a compact ornamental tree or large shrub is needed.
Heat-Tolerant Color With Easy-Care Appeal
Double Dynamite performs best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is especially useful in hot summer landscapes where homeowners want dependable bloom and strong ornamental foliage. It is also valued for good mildew resistance and strong overall garden performance, which makes it a smart pick for low-fuss summer color.
For homeowners who want a reblooming crape myrtle with dark foliage, bold double flowers, and a size that fits real residential spaces, Double Dynamite is one of the most exciting compact options available.
| Hardiness Zone: | 7-10 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 8 to 10 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 8 to 12 Feet |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun |
| Bloom Time / Color | Summer into fall; bright pink flowers aging to intense cherry red |
| Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water deeply when soil begins to dry; average moisture once established |
| Ornamental Features | Deep purple new foliage, dark purple-green mature leaves, double blooms, reblooming habit |
| Wildlife Value | Primarily ornamental landscape value with some pollinator interest |
| Resistance (deer/disease/drought/etc.) | Good mildew and leaf spot resistance, heat tolerant |
| Landscape Uses | Specimen planting, patio garden, sunny border, foundation accent, compact flowering focal plant |
How to Care for Double Dynamite® Crape Myrtle
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Double Dynamite Crape Myrtle plant for years to come!
How should I plant Double Dynamite Crape Myrtle?
Plant Double Dynamite Crape Myrtle in full sun in well-drained soil where it has room to develop its rounded upright shape. Dig a hole two to three times as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball itself, and set the plant so the root flare sits at or slightly above grade. Choose a site with strong sun and enough airflow so the foliage and flowers can stay healthy and colorful. This variety works especially well in sunny front-yard beds, patio borders, and focal-point plantings where the dark foliage and reblooming flowers can be appreciated through the season. It is best used where its natural shape can develop without being crowded by much larger shrubs.
How often should I water Double Dynamite Crape Myrtle after planting?
Water deeply right after planting and keep the soil evenly moist during the establishment period. Deep watering is more effective than frequent shallow watering because it encourages stronger root development and helps the plant settle in successfully during its first growing season. Once established, Double Dynamite performs best when watered thoroughly and then allowed to dry slightly between waterings. It is more tolerant of normal summer heat after establishment, but it still benefits from supplemental water during long dry stretches.
When should I fertilize Double Dynamite Crape Myrtle?
Double Dynamite Crape Myrtle usually does not need heavy feeding. A light application of balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring is usually enough if the plant appears to need support. Good sun exposure, proper watering, and healthy soil often matter more than frequent fertilization. Too much fertilizer can encourage extra leafy growth at the expense of balanced flowering. A moderate approach is usually best for a plant grown mainly for bloom, foliage, and ornamental performance.
When and how should I prune Double Dynamite Crape Myrtle?
Double Dynamite Crape Myrtle usually needs only light structural pruning. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and preserve the plant’s natural rounded habit rather than cutting it back harshly. If shaping is needed, prune in late winter or very early spring before active growth begins. Deadheading spent blooms during the growing season can also help encourage rebloom and keep the plant looking fresh and colorful longer.