Images Depict Mature Plants
Crape Myrtle Thunderstruck Rumblin' Red
Lagerstroemia x 'JM2' PPAF
Thunderstruck Rumblin' Red Crape Myrtles are a newer variety of red tree form crape myrtles. They are very similar to Ebony Flame Crape Myrtles but they grow taller and make a larger impact as a focal point in your yard. The deep red flowers make for a very vibrant show in the summer against nearly-black foliage.
This product is discontinued and new inventory will not be arriving.
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Thunderstruck Rumblin' Red Crape Myrtle Trees for Sale Online
The Thunderstruck family of crape myrtle trees has a new member: introducing Rumblin' Red Crape Myrtles! These multi-trunk trees feature ruffled near-black leaves and deep, ruby-red flower clusters. If you are looking for a powerful show of summer color, this is a great tree for you. The foliage is very unique and creates a perfect backdrop to the bright red flowers for lots of visual interest.
| Hardiness Zone: | 6-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 15 to 20 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 8 to 15 Feet |
| Classification: | Deciduous tree, multiple trunks, upright habit |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Flower Color: | Ruby red flowers in big clusters from summer to late 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; bird and pollinator friendly |
How to Care for Crape Myrtle Thunderstruck Rumblin' Red
When purchasing your new Thunderstruck Rumblin' Red Crape Myrtle Tree, be sure to read all the recommended care instructions so that your tree thrives in its new home.
How do I plant a Thunderstruck Rumblin' Red Crape Myrtle Tree?
Thunderstruck Rumblin' Red Crape Myrtles prefers full sun, so it is best to pick a spot where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun. Dig a hole in your garden that is 2 times wider, but no deeper than the container your plant came in. After placing your tree in the hole, fill the remaining space with a 50/50 mix of the soil you removed earlier and organic matter (such as topsoil and peat moss for nutrients and drainage), and pack down gently. Do not plant your tree too deeply and do not cover any of the multiple trunks with soil. Once this is complete, give your tree a good watering and cover the drip line with organic mulch.
How much sunlight does a Thunderstruck Crape Myrtle Need?
Thunderstruck Red Crape Myrtles are generally considered to be very easy trees, low in maintenance and high in resistances. However, the number one thing a crape myrtle tree like the Rumblin' Red needs is full sun. Choose a location that will receive at least 7 to 8 hours of full sun exposure everyday. These trees are fairly heat tolerant and resistant to leaf scorch, so they are a good choice for creating shade for other smaller shrubs that cannot handle full sun.
Do I need to use mulch around my Crepe Myrtle Tree?
Using an organic hardwood or cedar mulch will help your Thunderstruck crepe myrtle tremendously. Mulch will help regulate the temperature and moisture levels in the soil below, it will help prevent weeds from stealing nutrients nearby, and it can help add nutrients to the soil as the mulch breaks down. We recommend that you create a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around the tree, so that it covers the drip line under the branches but does not touch the trunks in the center. It is important to leave at least an inch gap between the mulch and the trunks to prevent root system rot and disease. Do not bury any of the trunks in too much mulch or soil.
How much water does a Thunderstruck Rumbling Red Crape Myrtle need?
Although fairly drought tolerant, the cold hardy Rumblin' Red crape myrtle tree thrives in moist soil. Water young trees twice a week for up to a year until it is well established. After that, reduce your watering to once a week, depending on your local climate and recent weather. When in doubt, test the nearby soil and water if the top three inches are dry to the touch. We recommend watering for 5 seconds per gallon size of the nursery pot (at least while the tree is young). A 1 gallon pot needs 5 seconds from a typical garden hose, a 3 gallon pot needs 15 seconds, etc.
