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Tree Guide

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Red Rocket CrapemyrtleLagerstroemia indica 'Whit IV'

  • Red Rocket Crapemyrtle shrub - Lagerstroemia indica Whit IV pp#11342
This stunning shrub is renowned for its showy flowers, beautiful bark, fast growth and tolerance of soil conditions. The petals are wrinkled like crepe paper, adding to its appeal. The red rocket crapemyrtle also adds ornamental value to landscaping in all seasons, and it is considered one of the fastest growing crapemyrtles—shooting up as much as 5' per year.

Whether you’re looking for a standalone plant or something to incorporate as part of a mixed border, the red rocket crapemyrtle could be the answer.

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Hardiness Zones

The red rocket crapemyrtle can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 7–9. View Map

Tree Type

This is a flowering shrub, typically planted for its profusion of flowers.

Mature Size

The red rocket crapemyrtle grows to a height of 10–15' and a spread of 12–15' at maturity.

Growth Speed Fast Growth Rate

This shrub grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24" per year.

Sun Preference

Full sun is the ideal condition for this shrub, meaning it should get at least 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.

Soil Preference

The red rocket crapemyrtle grows well in moist, well-drained soils. It is drought-tolerant (once established) and mildew-resistant.

Attributes

This shrub:
  • Blooms July–September, producing huge 24" clusters of cherry red flowers that have wrinkled petals similar to crepe paper.
  • Grows up to 5' per year.
  • Works well as a specimen plant or as part of a mixed border.
  • Grows in a rounded shape.
  • Adds all-season interest with crimson red new growth, unique bark, showy flowers and orange-to-red fall color.
  • Is deer- and mildew-resistant.
  • Tolerates heat and drought (once established), making it a water-wise choice.

Wildlife Value

This shrub attracts bees and provides bird habitat.

History/Lore

The crapemyrtle is called the "lilac of the South," and the number of cultivars is enormous. Among these, the U.S. National Arboretum introductions are important for their disease resistance, good flowering, and ornamental bark. Thanks to his work with crapemyrtle breeding for most of his professional life, Dr. Carl Witcomb -- researcher, author, and professor at the University of Florida and Oklahoma State University for 20 years -- has created more cold-hardy crapemyrtle cultivars and unique crapemyrtles such as the Red Rocket.