One of the fastest growing crape myrtles, Lagerstroemia 'Red Rocket' is a splendid, rounded, deciduous shrub with a profusion of large clusters, up to 24 in. (60 cm), packed with crinkly, brilliant cherry-red flowers at its branch tips. Blooming in mid to late summer, they create a brilliant display in the landscape. The foliage emerges crimson in spring, gradually matures to dark green, and turns orange and red shades in the fall before dropping - revealing the unique, smooth bark. Highly disease resistant, this crape myrtle adds great ornamental value across the seasons. It makes a striking specimen plant or flowering hedge.

• Grows up to 20-30 ft. tall (600-900 cm) and 15-20 ft. wide (450-600 cm) at maturity. This crape myrtle can grow up to 5 ft. per year! Plant 10 ft. apart for a flowering hedge.
• A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Drought and heat tolerant. Water regularly until established. To help crape myrtles retain water, mulch with organic matter 2-3 in. deep (5-7 cm).
• Crape myrtles are not usually browsed by deer.
• Perfect as a specimen plant or for foundation plantings. Effective as a screen or informal hedge in mild winter areas.
• Crape myrtles bloom on new wood and should be pruned in winter or early spring. Remove dead branches any time.
• Lagerstroemia indica species is native to Temperate and Tropical Asia.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.