Lagerstroemia ‘Tuscarora’ (Crape Myrtle)

Lagerstroemia ‘Tuscarora’ (Crape Myrtle) – Coral-Pink Flowers, Broad Vase-Shaped Form, and Exfoliating Bark

Lagerstroemia ‘Tuscarora’, commonly called Tuscarora crape myrtle or Tuscarora crepe myrtle, is a vigorous deciduous flowering tree celebrated for its abundant dark coral-pink blooms, broad vase-shaped crown, reddish-orange fall color, and attractive exfoliating bark. It creates a vivid summer focal point while remaining smaller than the largest tree-form crape myrtles.

Developed by the U.S. National Arboretum, ‘Tuscarora’ is a hybrid crape myrtle selected for ornamental bark and improved disease resistance. In warm climates it commonly grows about 15 to 25 ft. tall and 15 to 20 ft. wide (4.5-7.5 m by 4.5-6 m), although regional sources report mature heights from approximately 16 to 23 ft. Its substantial canopy requires more room than a narrow foundation bed.

The crinkled flowers range from deep coral pink to watermelon pink and appear in large terminal panicles from midsummer into early fall. Dark green foliage may turn orange-red or reddish orange in autumn, while the light brown to tan bark gradually exfoliates to reveal a mottled trunk and branches with year-round visual interest.

Quick Facts – Lagerstroemia ‘Tuscarora’

Summary: Vigorous coral-pink crape myrtle with a broad vase-shaped crown, ornamental bark, and strong summer-to-fall color.
Use: Excellent as a specimen tree, lawn tree, avenue tree, flowering screen, large border accent, or street tree where space permits.
Highlight: Rich coral-pink flowers combine with reddish-orange fall color and mottled light-brown bark for multi-season impact.
Note: Give this tree enough room to develop naturally. Severe annual pruning destroys the graceful canopy and is unnecessary for flowering.

Botanical Name	Lagerstroemia ×egolfii ‘Tuscarora’; often listed as Lagerstroemia ‘Tuscarora’ or Lagerstroemia indica ‘Tuscarora’
Family	Lythraceae
Common Names	Tuscarora crape myrtle, Tuscarora crepe myrtle, hybrid crape myrtle
Origin	U.S. National Arboretum hybrid introduced in 1981
Plant Type and Habit	Deciduous large shrub or small to medium-sized tree; broad vase-shaped, upright-spreading, arching, and commonly multi-stemmed
Hardiness (USDA)	Zones 6 to 9; top growth may suffer winter injury in colder Zone 6 locations
Size	Commonly 15-25 ft. tall and 15-20 ft. wide (4.5-7.5 m by 4.5-6 m)
Growth Rate	Moderate to fast in warm, favorable conditions
Sun and Exposure	Full sun; at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, with 8 or more hours ideal
Soil	Average, moderately fertile, well-drained clay, loam, or sandy soil; slightly acidic to neutral conditions are ideal
Bloom Time	Midsummer through early fall
Flower Color	Dark coral pink, coral-red, or watermelon pink
Foliage and Fall Color	Dark green summer foliage that may turn orange-red or reddish orange in fall
Bark	Mottled light brown to tan bark that exfoliates with age
Disease Resistance	Very good powdery mildew resistance and demonstrated field resistance to Cercospora leaf spot
Wildlife Value	Flowers may be visited by bees and other insects; best regarded as a supplemental floral resource
Deer Resistance	Not usually preferred by deer, but young growth may be browsed and trunks may be rubbed

Care – Quick

• Planting: Choose a hot, sunny site with enough room for a broad 15-20 ft. canopy.
• Water: Water deeply during establishment; mature trees tolerate moderate drought.
• Feeding: Apply compost or a modest spring fertilizer only where soil fertility or growth is poor.
• Pruning: Prune selectively in late winter or early spring; never top the crown.
• Mulching: Maintain 2-3 in. of organic mulch without covering the trunk flare.
• Best use: Place where the coral flowers, fall color, bark, and broad vase-shaped silhouette can be viewed from several directions.

What Is Lagerstroemia ‘Tuscarora’?

Description and Hybrid Origin

‘Tuscarora’ is one of the influential hybrid crape myrtles developed through the U.S. National Arboretum breeding program. Introduced in 1981, it combines ornamental qualities associated with common crape myrtle and Japanese crape myrtle ancestry, including richly colored flowers, exfoliating bark, improved cold tolerance, and strong resistance to powdery mildew.

The modern hybrid name Lagerstroemia ×egolfii ‘Tuscarora’ reflects its interspecific background. Nursery catalogs and older references frequently list it as Lagerstroemia indica ‘Tuscarora’. For general horticultural use, Lagerstroemia ‘Tuscarora’ remains clear and widely understood.

Growth Habit and Mature Size

‘Tuscarora’ forms a broad vase-shaped crown with upright main branches and gracefully arching outer growth. It is usually grown as a multi-trunked tree, although young plants can be trained to three to five main stems or a single trunk where a more formal silhouette is desired.

Published dimensions vary with region and climate. Clemson lists approximately 23 ft. tall, NC State notes about 16 ft., and Missouri Botanical Garden reports up to 16-20 ft. in warmer areas. A practical landscape expectation is 15-25 ft. tall and 15-20 ft. wide, with smaller growth where winter injury is frequent. Provide ample clearance from roofs, wires, narrow paths, and neighboring trees.

Flowers and Bloom Season

The large terminal panicles carry abundant crinkled flowers in shades described as dark coral pink, coral-red, or watermelon pink. The flowers are brighter and warmer than the pale pink of many traditional crape myrtles and can appear almost red under intense summer light.

Bloom generally begins in midsummer and continues through late summer, often reaching early fall in warm climates. Heat, full sun, healthy new growth, and adequate moisture during establishment support the heaviest display. Deadheading is unnecessary on mature trees and becomes impractical once the canopy develops.

Foliage, Fall Color, and Bark

The foliage matures to dark green and provides a dense backdrop for the coral flowers. Autumn color may include orange, red, and reddish-orange tones, although the intensity varies with weather, soil, and regional climate. Round seed capsules may persist after flowering and add fine winter detail.

The light brown to tan bark becomes increasingly ornamental with age. As the outer bark exfoliates, it reveals a softly mottled trunk and branches. The bark is less cinnamon-colored than that of ‘Natchez‘ but contributes strong winter interest when the natural multi-trunked framework is preserved.

Hardiness and Climate

‘Tuscarora’ is generally grown in USDA Zones 6 to 9 and performs best where summers are hot and long. In colder Zone 6 locations, top growth may be damaged or killed back during severe winters, resulting in a smaller, more shrub-like plant and later flowering. A sunny, protected site and a broad mulch layer help protect the root zone.

Uses in the Landscape

• Specimen tree: Use as a major flowering focal point in a lawn or expansive sunny border.
• Medium lawn tree: Add summer color, fall foliage, and ornamental bark.
• Avenue or allée: Repeat at generous intervals for a formal summer display.
• Tall seasonal screen: Plant several where deciduous summer screening is appropriate.
• Large informal hedge: Allow the natural width to develop instead of shearing it into a narrow wall.
• Street tree: Suitable where planting strips provide enough root volume, overhead wires are absent, and seasonal litter is acceptable.
• Mixed tree border: Combine with evergreens, ornamental grasses, and low perennials that emphasize the canopy and bark.

Wildlife and Pollinator Value

The flowers may be visited by bees and other insects, but ‘Tuscarora’ is best considered a supplemental floral resource. Combine it with native trees, grasses, and long-blooming perennials that provide a broader range of nectar, pollen, seeds, and shelter.

Deer and Browsing Animals

Crape myrtles are not usually the first woody plants selected by deer, but they are not completely deer-proof. Tender shoots may be browsed, and young trunks can be damaged by rubbing where deer pressure is high.

Drought and Heat Tolerance

Once established, ‘Tuscarora’ tolerates heat and moderate drought. Newly planted trees need deep, regular irrigation while roots expand into the surrounding soil. Mature specimens bloom and retain foliage better when watered during prolonged dry periods, but poorly drained ground should be avoided.

Toxicity

Crape myrtle is not commonly regarded as toxic to people, cats, dogs, or horses. Nevertheless, ornamental plant material should not be intentionally eaten, and any concerning ingestion should be discussed with an appropriate medical or veterinary professional.

Invasiveness

‘Tuscarora’ is not an aggressive spreading tree. Related Lagerstroemia indica material has naturalized in parts of the southeastern United States, however. Remove unwanted seedlings near sensitive natural areas and follow current regional guidance.

Growing Conditions for Lagerstroemia ‘Tuscarora’

Light

Full sun is strongly recommended. Provide at least six hours of direct sunlight daily; eight or more hours generally produce the heaviest flowering, densest canopy, strongest fall color, and lowest fungal disease pressure. Shade can result in fewer flowers, thinner growth, and branches that lean toward available light.

Soil

‘Tuscarora’ adapts to clay, loam, and sandy soil provided drainage is adequate. Slightly acidic to neutral conditions are ideal, although established plants tolerate a broader pH range. Alkaline soil may cause iron chlorosis, visible as yellow leaves with greener veins.

Water

Water deeply after planting and whenever the developing root zone begins to dry. Deep irrigation encourages broad root development, while frequent shallow sprinkling does not. Once established, water during prolonged drought rather than keeping the soil continuously moist.

Feeding

Excess nitrogen can produce lush leafy growth, delay flowering, increase aphid activity, and reduce winter hardiness. Apply compost or a modest slow-release fertilizer in spring only when soil fertility or plant performance indicates a need. A soil test is preferable to routine heavy feeding.

Planting, Maintenance, and Propagation

Planting Tips

Plant in spring or fall with the root flare visible at or slightly above grade. Dig a hole wider than the root ball but no deeper, backfill with the existing soil, water thoroughly, and mulch over a broad area. Keep mulch several inches away from the trunks and allow for a mature spread of 15-20 ft.

Maintenance and Pruning

Crape myrtles bloom on new wood, so necessary structural pruning is best completed in late winter or early spring. Remove dead, damaged, rubbing, crossing, or inward-growing branches and unwanted basal shoots. To develop a tree form, retain three to five strong trunks and gradually remove lower lateral branches as the plant matures.

Never top ‘Tuscarora’ or cut every branch back to large stubs. Severe annual pruning destroys the broad vase-shaped crown, creates clusters of weak shoots, hides the ornamental bark, and commits the owner to repeated corrective work. If the site is too small, select a more compact cultivar.

Propagation

Propagate ‘Tuscarora’ vegetatively from cuttings to preserve its flower color, growth habit, bark, and disease resistance. Seedlings will not reliably reproduce the cultivar and may differ substantially in size, bloom color, and performance.

Problems and Pests

‘Tuscarora’ has very good resistance to powdery mildew and has shown resistance to Cercospora leaf spot in field trials. Resistance lowers the likelihood and severity of disease but does not guarantee completely symptom-free foliage in every climate or site. Clemson also lists ‘Tuscarora’ among hybrid cultivars with moderate resistance to crape myrtle aphids.

• Aphids: The cultivar has moderate resistance, but colonies may still feed on young growth and produce sticky honeydew.
• Sooty mold: Black fungal growth develops on honeydew from aphids or scale. Manage the sap-feeding insect rather than treating the coating alone.
• Crapemyrtle bark scale: White or gray felted insects may collect on trunks and branches, producing honeydew and dark sooty mold.
• Cercospora leaf spot: ‘Tuscarora’ has exhibited resistance in field trials. Open spacing, airflow, and sanitation remain useful preventive practices.
• Powdery mildew: Very good resistance greatly reduces risk, although shade, crowding, and severe plant stress may still increase disease pressure.
• Japanese beetles: Adults may chew flowers and foliage where populations are high.
• Iron chlorosis: Yellow leaves with green veins may develop in strongly alkaline soil.
• Winter injury: Cold near the northern hardiness limit may damage stems and delay the following season’s bloom.

Design Ideas and Companion Plants with Lagerstroemia ‘Tuscarora’

These companions tolerate full sun, summer heat, and well-drained soil while providing enough contrast to showcase the coral-pink canopy. Plant them beyond the immediate trunk zone and account for increasing shade beneath the tree as it matures.

• Blue-green vertical structure: Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ – upright blue-green blades provide rhythm and winter structure beneath the broad canopy.
• Silver-blue foreground: Salvia ‘Blue Spire’ (Russian Sage) – silver stems and blue flowers cool the warm coral tones while tolerating heat and dry soil.
• Golden summer contrast: Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ – golden daisies create a lively complementary contrast.
• Airy fall movement: Muhlenbergia capillaris – pink plumes echo the flower color and extend the rosy theme into autumn.
• Soft yellow foreground: Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’ – pale yellow flowers brighten the planting without overwhelming the tree.
• Native summer layer: Echinacea purpurea – coneflowers add stronger pollinator value and a sturdy upright foreground.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

U.S. National Arboretum – International Cultivar Registration Authority, Lagerstroemia cultivars T-U: https://www.usna.usda.gov/science/icra/lagerstroemia/tu/

Clemson Cooperative Extension – Crape Myrtle Cultivars: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/crape-myrtle-varieties/

Clemson Cooperative Extension – Crape Myrtle Diseases and Insect Pests: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/crape-myrtle-diseases-insect-pests/

Clemson Cooperative Extension – Crape Myrtle Pruning: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/crape-myrtle-pruning/

Missouri Botanical Garden – Lagerstroemia indica ‘Tuscarora’: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=261536

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox – Lagerstroemia indica and cultivars: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lagerstroemia-indica/

Updated: July 2026 • Reviewed by Gardenia Editors