Red Rocket Crape Myrtle Tree - Lagerstroemia indica

Red Rocket Crape Myrtle Tree (Lagerstroemia indica)

The Red Rocket Crape Myrtle is a vigorous flowering tree that lives up to its name with explosive growth and stunning crimson blooms. This variety produces vibrant red flowers from early summer through fall—roughly 100 days of continuous color—while remaining remarkably low-maintenance and disease-resistant. When you buy Red Rocket Crape Myrtle online from Florida Plant Nursery, you're investing in a healthy, well-established tree ready to thrive in your landscape.

Landscaping Uses

Plant the Red Rocket in full sun as a focal point in garden beds, along property lines, or as a standalone specimen to showcase its dramatic blooms and attractive branching structure. This tree works beautifully in mixed borders with ornamental grasses and drought-tolerant perennials, and it's ideal for hot, sunny spots where other plants struggle. Its rapid growth makes it perfect for homeowners seeking quick visual impact without waiting years for maturity.

Specifications

Height: 25–30 feet at maturity (grows 5+ feet annually when young)
Width: 15–25 feet
Growth Rate: Exceptionally fast
Sun: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
Water: Low water needs once established
Soil: Well-drained soil
USDA Zones: 0°F hardy (Zones 6–11)

Why Homeowners Love It

• Explosive first-year growth delivers rapid landscape transformation
• True red blooms transition from bright cherry to deep crimson as the season progresses
• Naturally resists powdery mildew and other common crape myrtle diseases
• Thrives on rainfall alone once established, requiring minimal watering and maintenance

Planting & Care

Select a location with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and equally deep, position your tree, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture. Once established, water only during dry periods—check soil moisture 3 inches down and water when dry. Each early spring, feed with a balanced high-nitrogen fertilizer like 20-10-10 to support vigorous growth and abundant flowering.