Dynamite Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica ‘Whit II’

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 6a-9b Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Tree

Height at Maturity: 15-20′

Width at Maturity: 10-15′

Spacing: 8-10′ for solid hedge, 20’+ for space between plants

Growth Habit / Form: Upright, Broad Canopy, Rounded Canopy

Growth Rate: Moderate, Fast

Flower Color: TRUE RED!

Flowering Period: Summer to Early Fall

Flower Type: Single flowers in large rounded to elongated clusters

Fragrant Flowers: No

Foliage Color: Dark Green

Fall Foliage Color: Orange Red

Fragrant Foliage: No

Bark Color: Brown

Sun Needs: Full Sun or Mostly Sun

Water Needs: Average, low when established

Soil Type: Clay, Loam, Sand, Silt

Soil Drainage: Well Drained

Soil pH: 5.0 – 6.5

Maintenance / Care: Low

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Deer – more info, Disease, Moderate Drought, Heat

Description

When it comes to flowering trees, there’s simply no others more showy than Crape Myrtles. They bloom for up to 100 days during summer, when there are few other trees and shrubs providing that service in the landscape. Colorful fall foliage and attractive exfoliating bark in winter enhance their overall appeal. It’s no wonder they are so wildly popular among designers and gardeners!

Unlike any other Crape myrtle we’ve seen, the flowers of the Dynamite Crape Myrtle are absolutely TRUE RED – no pink tones at all! The large and abundant dark red flowers will provide up to 100 days of explosive color during summer. But the color show doesn’t stop after the summer flowers. The handsome dark green leaves of Dynamite turn to vibrant shades of orange and red in fall contrasting nicely with the exfoliating, grey-brown bark that provides interest during winter. An excellent flowering tree that will set your yard on fire during summer!

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing to 15 to 20 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide, the Dynamite Crape Myrtle is ideal for use as a specimen tree, in groupings, or as a hedge in landscape borders. Perfect to frame the corners of homes and other buildings. Whether planted as a specimen or in groupings, this is one crape myrtle that is sure to stand out in the landscape!

Suggested Spacing: 8 to 10 feet apart for solid hedge; 20 feet apart for space between plants

Growing Preferences

Dynamite Crape Myrtle is very easy to grow. It is not picky about soil type. A moist but well-drained soil of average fertility is preferred. Full sun (7 or more hours of sun per day) is preferred and results in heavier flower production. Light shade is tolerated but flowering will be diminished in more shade. Has shown excellent resistance to powdery mildew and is drought tolerant when established.

Helpful Articles

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for Crape Myrtle trees.

How To Plant A Crape Myrtle In The Ground Or In A Pot

How To Prune a Crape Myrtle Tree the Right Way

How To Fertilize & Water A Crape Myrtle

How To Prune a Dwarf Crape Myrtle

Choosing the Right Crape Myrtle

Plant Long & Prosper!

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