Red Rocket Crape Myrtle Trees for Sale Online
The Red Rocket Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica 'Whit IV' Red Rocket) blooms vibrant clusters of ruffled, cherry-red flowers that nearly cover this multi-stemmed tree all summer long. The dark green foliage turns rich bronze-red in fall for great autumn interest. Red Rocket Crape Myrtle is arguably the fastest-growing Crape Myrtle Tree and is sure to impress.
In 1998 in association with the National Arboretum Dr. Carl Whitcomb developed a series of Crape Myrtles that brought us the Crape Myrtle Red Rocket. These elevated versions of a summer classic can better withstand winter weather conditions, allowing the growing zones to expand to 6-9. Similarly, newer cultivars are more resistant to mildew, leaving your tree beautiful all year long. For other enhanced Crape Myrtles, read our blog Today's Crape Myrtles.
The Crape Myrtle Red Rocket has a very broad and upright growing habit dominated by leaves rounded at the base and grows up to 2 inches long. Each flower cluster can grow up to 2 feet long and produce hundreds of true red blooms. In the fall, their green foliage turns orange-red before falling away for winter. In the same way, its summer bark is almost grey and peels away in the fall to reveal a smooth cinnamon-brown undercoat that shines in the colder months.
Red Rocket Crape Myrtle trees are adaptable to a wide range of soil types but flourish when planted in well-drained soils. Their disease resistance makes them a very easy tree to take care of and perfect for new gardeners.