*some images are of mature trees and shrubs
Red Rocket Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Whit IV' P.P.# 11342Description
If your looking for a serious punch of color add Red Rocket Crape Myrtles to your yard! Most people have pink, purple, and white crape myrtles but not red.
Red Rocket Crape Myrtles produce a beautiful, true red bloom from the beginning of July all the way though September. Its dark green foliage really makes the red blooms come to life. In Spring, the new foliage pushes out a dark red changing over to dark green. In Fall, the foliage will turn a bright orange.
The Red Rocket Crape Myrtle will reach heights up to 25 feet tall, and 10 feet wide. You can keep it multi-stemmed or train it to be a one stemmed tree. Either way, this Crape will be a real show stopper. Plant in full sun and provide plenty of water for best results. The Red Rocket is a favorite amongst gardeners when shopping our trees for sale. The more sun, the more red blooms! This crape myrtle is also insect and disease resistant. It is one of the best all around varieties available. Plant in Zones 7-9.
Pruning is not needed but light pruning in spring for structure and support will greatly benefit the Red Rocket Crape Myrtle.
Plant in a hedge, or line your driveway with Red Rocket Crape Myrtles. There are so many uses for this tree. You can plant one on each side of your house to anchor it in. This tree will brighten up your landscape with great color. Are you thinking about installing a island in the front of your home? Add a Red Rocket Crape Myrtle, a boulder, some ground-cover, and some shrubs. It will be spectacular. See our landscape design ideas.
Variety | Flower Color | Bloom Time | Zones | Height (ft) | Width (ft) | Growth Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Black Diamond Best Red | Red | July to Oct | 7 - 10 | 10 - 12 | 8 | 1 - 2ft / yr |
Black Diamond Crimson Red | Red | July to Oct | 7 - 10 | 10 - 15 | 8 | 3 - 4ft / yr |
Black Diamond Mystic Magenta | Magenta | Early July to Oct | 7 - 10 | 10 - 12 | 6-10 | 3 - 4ft / yr |
Black Diamond Purely Purple | Purple | July to Oct | 7 - 10 | 10 - 15 | 6 - 10 | 3 - 4ft / yr |
Black Diamond Red Hot | Red | Early July to Oct | 7 - 10 | 10 - 15 | 6-10 | 3 - 4ft / yr |
Black Diamond Shell Pink | Pink | Early July to Oct | 7 - 10 | 10 - 12 | 6-10 | 3 - 4ft / yr |
Catawba | Violet Purple | July to Late Sept | 7 - 9 | 15 | 12 | 1 - 2ft / yr |
Coral Magic | Salmon Pink | Late June to July | 7 - 9 | 6 - 8 | 6-8 | 0.5 - 1ft / yr |
Dynamite | Cherry Red | Early July to Oct | 7 - 9 | 15 - 25 | 15 | 2 - 3ft / yr |
Muskogee | Lavender | June to Oct | 7 - 11 | 25 - 30 | 20 | 3 - 5ft / yr |
Natchez | White | June to Oct | 7 - 10 | 20 - 30 | 20 | 3 - 5ft / yr |
Pink Velour | Deep Pink | Early July to Sept | 7 - 10 | 8 - 10 | 10 | 0.5 - 1ft / yr |
Plum Magic | Pink | Late June to July | 7 - 9 | 6 - 8 | 6-8 | 0.5 - 1ft / yr |
Purple Magic | Dark Purple | Late June to July | 7 - 9 | 6 - 8 | 6-8 | 0.5 - 1ft / yr |
Red Rocket | Red | July to Oct | 7 - 9 | 20 - 30 | 15 | 3 - 5ft / yr |

Shipping Restriction | AZ |
Soil Type | Adaptable |
Sunlight | Full |
Drought Tolerance | Good |
Mature Height | 20-30 Feet |
Mature Width | 15-20 Feet |
Fall Color | Orange |
Bloom Color | Red |
How To Care
Be sure you choose the right location and have the appropriate conditions for your new Red Rocket Crape Myrtle to thrive. Luckily Crape Myrtles are pretty easy to grow and don't require much maintenance at all. If you follow growing zone guidelines for your particular variety you can plant your crape myrtle just about any time of year. Red Rocket Crape Myrtles grow in zones 7-9.
These trees prefer full sun, but can tolerate some shade and are adaptable to just about any soil as long as it is well-draining. Crape Myrtles do enjoy a slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.0 or 6.5 being ideal, but as long as your soil isn't extremely alkaline there is no need to modify it. Mulching with a 2-3 inch layer of pine straw or pine bark is ideal for crape myrtles. Do not allow the mulch to touch the trunk as these increases the chances of pests and disease. Mulching helps keep soil moist and protects roots during temperature extremes. Crape Myrtles should be watered deeply about 2 times per week after planting for about 3 months. After this establishment period, water deeply about once weekly when conditions are dry. Crape Myrtles are drought tolerant once established. Fertilize in early spring and when planting to give your tree a boost and help it achieve the best blooms. Choose a balanced, slow release fertilizer. If you know your soil is on the basic side choose a fertilizer that is for acid loving plants. Crape Myrtles do not generally require pruning, but if needed, prune when they are dormant to remove any dead, dying, or crowded branches. Avoid the need to over prune your tree by choosing a variety that fits best in your chosen spot. You can choose a variety that is only 5 feet tall up to varieties that grow over 30 feet tall. Red Rocket Crape Myrtles grow up to 30 feet tall and about 15 feet wide.
The best way to prevent disease and pests is by providing the appropriate care for your plants. Proper location choice, watering and fertilization are the keys to your success. There are not many pests or diseases that cause severe problems for crape myrtles. Aphids are one of the few pests that attack crape myrtles. Minor infections aren't likely to cause problems, but a severe infection can weaken your tree. You can treat aphids naturally with horticultural oil, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. For severe infections use pesticides like carbaryl, also known as Sevin. Red Rocket Crape Myrtles are extremely resistant to Powdery Mildew and other diseases.
Shipping Restriction | AZ |
Soil Type | Adaptable |
Sunlight | Full |
Drought Tolerance | Good |
Mature Height | 20-30 Feet |
Mature Width | 15-20 Feet |
Fall Color | Orange |
Bloom Color | Red |
Landscape Ideas
You can incorporate a raised bed for your Red Maple Tree. Plant some juniper and even add in a boulder the the bed to give it some more character. Don't forget to add up-lighting to your tree. The lighting will really set off your Red Maple as you pull into your driveway at night.
Learn when to prune your flowering shrubs.
For additional options, be sure to browse our Crape Myrtle and Dwarf tree collection.
Shipping Restriction | AZ |
Soil Type | Adaptable |
Sunlight | Full |
Drought Tolerance | Good |
Mature Height | 20-30 Feet |
Mature Width | 15-20 Feet |
Fall Color | Orange |
Bloom Color | Red |
Shipping Details
You can still order now, but due to cold weather and the risk of cold damage in transit, we will delay shipping to areas indicated on the map and below:
- Orders in Growing Zones 3-4 will ship May 1st
- Orders in Growing Zones 5-6 will ship mid April
- Orders in Growing Zones 7-10 will ship immediately
Some plants are not available for immediate shipment, and delayed delivery is noted.
We will return to normal shipping in the spring.
If you live within a delayed shipping zone and would like your plant shipped immediately, please contact customer support at support@plantingtree.com
Inventory is moving fast! Order now to reserve your plants. Due to cold weather and the risk of cold damage in transit, we will delay shipping to areas indicated on the map and below. We do this so your plant has the best opportunity to thrive in your landscape.
- Orders in Growing Zones 3-4 will start shipping May 1st
- Orders in Growing Zones 5-6 will start shipping mid April
- Orders in Growing Zones 7-10 will ship immediately
Some plants are not available for immediate shipment, but are available for pre-order and this will be indicated on the product page.
We will return to normal shipping schedules in the spring.
If you live within a delayed shipping zone and would like your plant shipped immediately, please contact customer support at support@plantingtree.com
*Orders ship in 1-3 days. West Coast orders may be held until the following Monday to prevent additional transit time.
AMOUNT OF ORDER | SHIPPING COST |
Less than $15 |
$11.95 |
$15 - 23.99 |
$13.95 |
$24 - $39.99 |
$16.95 |
$40 - 79.99 |
$19.95 |
$80 - 98.99 |
$22.95 |
$99 - 118.99 |
$26.95 |
$119+ |
FREE Shipping |