Flowering plants and trees can have a considerable impact on your landscaping and overall curb appeal. Crape Myrtle trees are very popular, but with many different varieties, it can be difficult to know which to choose. Between the Red Rocket Crape Myrtle and Dynamite Crape Myrtle, which is the best for your lawn?
Thanks to its striking appearance, the Red Rocket Crape Myrtle is a better choice than the Dynamite Crape Myrtle. Red Rocket Crape Myrtles have two-foot clusters of cherry-red flowers that maintain their color even during cloudy weather. They bloom through most of the summer, and they grow quickly at a rate of five feet per year.
In contrast, Dynamite Crape Myrtles have cherry-red flowers that can appear pink depending on the weather. Their flower clusters are smaller at 16 inches, and they grow more slowly, about three feet per year.
Do You Need Landscaping Services?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
FIND LOCAL CONTRACTORS
What Is Red Rocket Crape Myrtle?
The Red Rocket Crape Myrtle is a tree known for its beauty. From its gorgeous colors to flower petals that resemble crepe paper, a Red Rocket adds visual interest to your landscaping. It works well as part of a mixed border or as a standalone plant.
Red Rocket Crape Myrtles can grow up to 30 feet in height with a spread of 20 to 25 feet. Ideal conditions for this tree include at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Red Rocket Crape Myrtles flourish in moist, well-drained soil.
Pros of Red Rocket Crape Myrtle
One of the biggest advantages of Red Rocket Crape Myrtles is that they produce huge clusters of cherry-red flowers. In fact, these clusters can grow to be two feet long. The tree itself grows very quickly, up to five feet each year.
Colorful Blooms
Red Rocket Crape Myrtles grow in an attractive rounded shape, and they’re truly beautiful plants. They feature unique bark, orange and red fall colors, and crimson-colored flowers. Plus, Red Rockets bloom all summer long, and their vibrant shades earn them plenty of attention.
Low-Maintenance And Bird-Friendly
The Red Rocket is the lushest and most voluminous of the Crape Myrtle varieties. It retains color well, attracts bees, and provides a habitat for birds. In addition, it’s great at tolerating both heat and drought.
In comparison to other varieties of Crape Myrtle, the Red Rocket is the most popular. It’s resistant to deer and mildew, and it’s very low-maintenance overall.
Cons of Red Rocket Crape Myrtle
You may run into issues with Red Rocket Crape Myrtle trees because they grow very quickly. If you prefer a more compact size and slower growth, a Red Rocket may not be best for you.
Although Red Rocket Crape Myrtles are very resistant to insects and other pests, aphids may cause problems at times. Aphids are small insects that can spread viruses and suck the nutrient-rich liquid from plants. Some insecticides may be necessary to manage aphid infestations.
What Is Dynamite Crape Myrtle?
Like the Red Rocket Crape Myrtle, the Dynamite Crape Myrtle is also popular thanks to its gorgeous blooms. Often called the “lilac of the South,” the Dynamite Crape Myrtle produces cherry-red flowers that are wrinkled like crepe paper.
Dynamite Crape Myrtles can grow up to 25 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide. Full sunlight and moist, well-drained soil are the ideal conditions for this tree to flourish.
Pros of Dynamite Crape Myrtle
Dynamite Crape Myrtles have many impressive features, starting with their gorgeous cherry-red flowers that bloom in April and May. The rounded shape makes this type of tree great as either a specimen plant or part of a mixed border.
Striking Color Combinations
Another feature of Dynamite Crape Myrtle trees is their beautiful leaves. They initially emerge with a crimson color before maturing to dark green. The leaves, paired with 16-inch red flower clusters and yellow stamens, make this tree truly striking.
Easy To Maintain
Similar to the Red Rocket Crape Myrtle, the Dynamite Crape Myrtle provides a habitat for birds and attracts bees. It has drought and mildew resistance and overall is low-maintenance and easy to care for.
Cons of Dynamite Crape Myrtle
One notable drawback to Dynamite Crape Myrtles is that their flowers are smaller and less impressive. These trees also have a slower growth rate of about three feet per year.
Another downside of Dynamite Crape Myrtles is that the flowers appear light pink rather than bright red during cold weather. Like the Red Rocket, Dynamite Crape Myrtles can also be negatively affected by aphids.
Red Rocket Crape Myrtle vs. Dynamite Crape Myrtle: Evaluation Criteria
Here we’ll compare the Red Rocket and Dynamite Crape Myrtle trees in three different areas. If you’re trying to choose between the two, these comparisons should be helpful for you.
Growth Rate And Size
Red Rocket and Dynamite Crape Myrtles grow to roughly the same size when they’re fully mature. At first, the Red Rocket will be larger because it has a higher growth rate of five feet per year. Meanwhile, the Dynamite grows three feet per year but will eventually get close to the Red Rocket in size.
Those who want to grow a flowering tree as quickly as possible prefer the Red Rocket Crape Myrtle. However, others prefer the slightly slower growth of the Dynamite Crape Myrtle.
Flowers
The Red Rocket Crape Myrtle has cherry-red flowers without visible stamens. Meanwhile, the Dynamite Crape Myrtle has cherry-red flowers with contrasting yellow stamens. However, the Dynamite Crape Myrtle’s flowers can appear light pink during cold or cloudy weather.
In addition, the Red Rocket produces larger flower clusters that can grow up to 24 inches. In contrast, the Dynamite has smaller 16-inch clusters that appear more round.
Maintenance
Both types of Crape Myrtles are very low-maintenance and easy to care for. The Red Rocket and Dynamite Crape Myrtles both need six hours of direct sunlight each day. In addition, both grow the best when they’re planted in moist, well-drained soil.
How To Plant A Crape Myrtle
Step 1: Remove The Packaging
When planting a Crape Myrtle, you’ll first need to take off all wrapping materials. Be sure to leave the tree in its pot until you’re ready to plant it. Remember never to lift your Crape Myrtle by the stem or trunk.
Step 2: Water The Tree
Place your tree outdoors in a shady area and give it a good watering. After a couple of days, you can move it to a sunny location. This prepares your Crape Myrtle for planting.
Step 3: Prepare The Planting Site
Choose a sunny spot with moist, well-drained soil as your planting site. Next, dig a hole that is just as deep and twice as wide as the tree’s root ball. The night before planting, water your Crape Myrtle so its root ball is damp.
Step 4: Place And Water The Tree
Gently slide the pot off of your Crape Myrtle and place it in the center of the hole. You should still be able to see the top of the root ball when you’ve finished planting the tree.
Step 5: Backfill The Soil
Replace about 75% of the soil, making sure to press it down around your Crape Myrtle’s roots. The soil should be flat around the tree, rather than sloping downward.
Step 6: Add Mulch And Fertilizer
Add two to three inches of mulch around your tree, and use a high-nitrogen fertilizer each year in early spring. After you’ve planted your Crape Myrtle, it’s easy to care for it. Simply water it once a week, and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful flowers in no time!
Related Questions
Is Crape Myrtle poisonous to dogs?
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Crape Myrtle is not poisonous to dogs. It is non-toxic and perfectly safe for both humans and animals.
Is Crape Myrtle evergreen?
Crape Myrtles are deciduous trees, which means that they lose their leaves in the fall. Most types of Crape Myrtle bloom in the summer and have brilliantly-colored orange and red foliage in the fall. Once the first hard frost of the season comes along, they begin to lose their leaves.
Is Crape Myrtle invasive?
Crape Myrtle tree roots are not invasive. When planting a Crape Myrtle, you don’t have to worry about the roots harming nearby plants and structures. The roots are relatively weak, and they will not interfere with foundations, sidewalks, or other plants.
Do You Need Landscaping Services?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
FIND LOCAL CONTRACTORS
Red Rocket Crape Myrtle vs. Dynamite Crape Myrtle: The Final Verdict
Although most would consider the Red Rocket Crape Myrtle to be the better choice, some prefer the Dynamite variety instead. When choosing between the two, it really comes down to your own personal preferences.
Color Preference
If you prefer cherry-red flowers that maintain their color, then the Red Rocket Crape Myrtle is a great choice. But if you’d rather the flowers shift from pink to red depending on the conditions, choose the Dynamite Crape Myrtle.
Growth Rate Preference
Be sure to keep the Crape Myrtles’ growth rates in mind as well. If you want a flowering tree that will grow as quickly as possible, then the Red Rocket is perfect. But if you prefer a slower-growing tree, the Dynamite makes more sense for you.
Related Articles
- How Long Does Grass Seed Last? (Find Out Now!)
Jessica Allen
With a lifelong passion for writing plus strong enthusiasm for home improvement and DIY projects, joining the team at Upgraded Home was an easy choice. Jessica Allen likes to share helpful information with current and aspiring homeowners. Aside from writing, Jessica loves doing yoga, playing the piano, and dabbling in graphic design.
Recently Published
Does Citronella Actually Help Keep Bugs Away?
Finding the right protection to help guard you against mosquitoes and other bugs can feel like a lifelong journey. There are all sorts of methods out there. There are bug zappers, sprays, candles,...
Continue Reading
Natural Ways To Keep Mosquitoes From Biting
Mosquitoes have a way of ruining an otherwise perfect evening. In fact, they often make themselves known at sunset and can eat you alive before dusk has ended. There are all sorts of remedies to help...
Continue Reading
FAQs
Red Rocket Crape Myrtle vs. Dynamite: Which One Is Better? | Upgraded Home? ›
Are you still confused about which crape myrtle variety to choose between the two? Red rocket crape myrtles have lusher and more voluminous flower clusters that better retain color under ideal conditions, while dynamite crape myrtles are compact in size and have a slower growth rate.
Which tree is better red Rocket or Dynamite crape myrtle? ›The Red Rocket Crape Myrtle is your best choice for cooler zones as this variety goes into a zone 6. The Dynamite is an extremely popular variety for its cherry red color, pest and disease resistance, drought tolerance, and classic Crape Myrtle shape.
Which crape myrtle is the best? ›Natchez is recognized as the top performing crape myrtle in the southeastern United States. It was introduced by the U. S. National Arboretum in 1987. White flowers and exfoliating bark are characteristic of this cultivar, which reaches heights of 30 feet at maturity.
How fast do dynamite crape myrtles grow? ›Growth Rate
This shrub grows at a medium rate, with height increases of 13–24" per year.
The Reddest Blooms You Can Get on a Crape Myrtle
The Dynamite Crape Myrtle is the go-to tree for adding color to your landscape. You get amazing red blooms that last from late spring to early fall.
The best time to plant crape myrtle is June to late September while soils are warm. Watering during summer hot and dry spells is also beneficial to flowering, but overall crape myrtle is very drought tolerant once established in the landscape.
Which crape myrtle grows the fastest? ›Basham's Party Pink is one of our favorite Crapes. It is the fastest growing crape myrtle available, growing 8' per year! It is a very full, upright tree that grows to 30'. It's flowers can best be described as a delicate pale pink.
What to look for when buying a crepe myrtle? ›When buying a Crepe Myrtle, do not buy on an impulse. As beautiful as they are, the Crepe Myrtle needs a good fit for it to flourish. Always make sure to research what size you are looking for and the right color. Their sizes differ and can range anywhere from 3-30 feet tall.
How do you care for dynamite crape myrtles? ›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.
Which crepe myrtle has best fall color? ›Dynamite® Crape Myrtle
Come fall, foliage glows in vibrant orange-red tones.
How fast do red Rocket crape myrtles grow? ›
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.
How far apart do you plant dynamite crepe myrtles? ›When planting a screen space the plants 6 feet apart. It is important when planting Crepe Myrtles not to plant any deeper than the containers they are in and not to cover the roots with a lot of soil.
How far from my house should I plant a crepe myrtle? ›Plant large type crape myrtles a minimum of 6ft away from a structure (house, etc). To create a look where the canopies of the plants will grow together and provide shade, plant Medium Crape Myrtles 6'-10' apart, and Standard (Tree) Crape Myrtles 8'-12' apart.
What color is red rocket crape myrtle? ›Red Rocket® Crape Myrtle is a flowering shrub cultivar with brilliant cherry-red flowers and improved disease and pest resistance. It does best in a hot, sunny location. The foliage emerges crimson in the springtime and matures to dark green. The orange and red fall colors finish out the season in a showy display.
What is the brightest red crepe myrtle? ›Black Diamond® Crape Myrtle - Best Red™Lagerstroemia indica
Black Diamond Crape Myrtle is a petite sized crape tree reaching heights of 10-12 feet. Very long lasting blooms with dark foliage. Temperature and age of the bloom can affect the color of red crapes.
An attractive ornamental shrub or small tree with smooth, peeling bark. Showy, ruffled, fiery red summer flowers are followed by vibrant orange-red fall foliage. An excellent choice as a specimen plant, or en masse for an explosion of color in the landscape and year-round interest. Deciduous.
Why is my dynamite crape myrtle not blooming? ›Not enough sunshine will curtail blooms on a crape myrtle. Being in a place where the tree does not get significant sunshine is a recipe for a non blooming tree. Make sure that the tree is not planted in an under-story position as the shade from larger trees and shrubs will block the needed sunshine to the tree.
How many years does it take for a crepe myrtle to bloom? ›Your crepe myrtle may not be blooming if it is only a young tree – it can take 3-5 years for a tree to become established enough to flower. This may sound like a long time, but bear in mind that the trees take 5-10 years to mature, and 20-50 years to reach their ultimate size.
How can I make myrtles grow faster? ›- Find Full Sunlight. Crape myrtle needs full sun (6 or more hours per day) to thrive. ...
- Use Suitable Soil. ...
- Fertilize Lightly. ...
- Treat Fungus Before It Starts. ...
- Prune Sparingly in Winter or Early Spring. ...
- Expose the Trunk for More Beauty. ...
- Deadhead for Even More Flowers.
The experts at Florida's Crape Myrtle Company (opens in new tab) say: '"Basham's Party Pink' is the fastest-growing crepe myrtle tree we have ever seen. It is not unusual for 'Basham's Party Pink' to grow 12 to 15 feet per year!
How do you care for a red rocket crepe myrtle? ›
Planting. These trees prefer full sun, but can tolerate some shade and are adaptable to just about any soil as long as it is well-draining. Crape Myrtles do enjoy a slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.0 or 6.5 being ideal, but as long as your soil isn't extremely alkaline there is no need to modify it.
What are common problems with crepe myrtles? ›Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are essentially trouble-free small trees. The most common problems include powdery mildew, Cercospora leaf spot, aphids, Japanese beetles, and sooty mold.
Can you water crepe myrtles too much? ›Yes, Crape Myrtle can be overwatered. The plant may not bloom as much, and new foliage may die back if the plant is overwatered. Potted Crape Myrtle plants need more consistent watering because container-grown plants can dry out more quickly. Water potted Crape Myrtle when the top few inches of the soil are dry.
Do crepe myrtles like a lot of water? ›Crepe myrtle likes a medium amount of water and prefers consistently moist soils where it can get it. However, once established, it is quite drought-tolerant and will subsist on a deep watering – to a depth of 6 inches or so – once or twice per month, reports Wilson Brothers Gardens.
What is the difference between scarlet and dynamite crape myrtle? ›Are you still confused about which crape myrtle variety to choose between the two? Red rocket crape myrtles have lusher and more voluminous flower clusters that better retain color under ideal conditions, while dynamite crape myrtles are compact in size and have a slower growth rate.
Where is the best place for crepe myrtle? ›Plant crape myrtle in full sun and well-drained loamy, clay soil. Choose a location with good air circulation to help prevent powdery mildew and other diseases. A crape myrtle planted in partial shade or full shade will experience reduced flowering.
Should you cover crepe myrtle in winter? ›It is advisable to wrap young (1 year or less) and small Crepe Myrtle trees. Wrap burlap around the branches and then add an insulating filler such as leaves or straw to provide additional protection. Use bush jackets for dwarf plants. Bush jackets are reusable insulating covers that cover the plant.
Which crepe myrtle is the darkest purple? ›Twilight Crape Myrtle trees grow larger than other species, as tall as 15-25 feet at maturity, with a spread of 10-15 feet. They stand out for their crinkly, deep-purple flowers—the deepest purple blooms of any crape myrtle tree. You can enjoy the blooms all summer long.
How far apart do you plant red rocket crepe myrtles? ›This crape myrtle can grow up to 5 ft. per year! Plant 10 ft. apart for a flowering hedge.
How far apart to plant red rocket crepe myrtle? ›Red Rocket is more upright than many crape myrtles, so when planting a screen they should be planted 4 feet apart.
Can you use Miracle Grow on crepe myrtle? ›
Using these types of fertilizers will cover your bases if the soil in your area is deficient in a certain element or trace mineral. The easiest to use and most well known fertilizer is Miracle Gro. However, if you have many Crape Myrtles you wish to fertilize, using Miracle Gro can become expensive.
What is a double dynamite crape myrtle? ›If you're looking for a tree that offers vivid color, good size and good disease resistance, then check out crepe myrtle Double Dynamite. Double Dynamite® features a double burst of bright cherry-red flowers and dark purple foliage when young, maturing to a deep green.
How far from a fence should you plant a crepe myrtle? ›Crepe myrtles make a colorful hedge in the garden, but they need plenty of room to grow. Depending on the variety, they can grow up to 25 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Keeping the mature size in mind, plant them at least three feet from your fencing to prevent crowding and provide enough space for the canopy.
How long does it take for a crepe myrtle tree to grow to full size? ›Crape myrtles grow quickly. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, “this shrub grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24 inches per year.” Crape myrtles generally grow between 15-25 feet tall, so most trees take five to 10 years to mature.
Do crepe myrtles have invasive roots? ›Crape myrtle do not have invasive root systems, which may be one reason they are used as sidewalk margin trees. They don't lift the sidewalks as so many other trees do. And their beautiful fall color is another reward.
How much room does a crepe myrtle need? ›If you are planting a screen of Crape Myrtles, space the plants according to how tall they will become. If they will grow over 20 feet tall, allow six to eight feet between each plant. For smaller plants allow four to six feet and if you are planting a low hedge of very small varieties, allow two to three feet.
Do crepe myrtles have deep roots? ›A crape myrtle tree lacks a taproot; instead, it has fibrous roots 10 to 12 inches deep. So, if you're willing to re-landscape a chunk of your lot, it might be possible to remove the roots and eliminate the problem permanently.
What color is double dynamite crape myrtle? ›Double Dynamite® crapemyrtle is a new variety from Dr. Carl Whitcomb. It would be notable simply for its vivid cherry-red flowers and deep purple foliage, but its ability to bloom continuously on the same panicle make it positively extraordinary.
Why are the leaves on my red rocket crape myrtle turning red? ›Answer: This is a fungal disease called Cercospora leaf spot. You will see dark spots on the leaves, then the leaves turn yellow, orange or red -- depending on the cultivar of crape myrtle -- and fall off. This disease is encouraged by rainy weather, which is why we are seeing so much now.
Why did my red crepe myrtle turn pink? ›"Full Sun Needed
Most red-flowered crape myrtles have one important quirk — flower buds that open under cloudy skies [or in shady situations] develop into pink or white flowers, not red.
How big does a red rocket crape myrtle get? ›
Mature Size
The red rocket crapemyrtle grows to a height of 10–15' and a spread of 12–15' at maturity.
Showy, ruffled, fiery red summer flowers are followed by vibrant orange-red fall foliage. An excellent choice as a specimen plant, or en masse for an explosion of color in the landscape and year-round interest.
What color is dynamite crape myrtle? ›Dynamite Crape Myrtles provide a “True Red” flower that is almost impossible to find in any other plant. The splendid red blooms are sure to turn heads.
How close can you plant a crape myrtle to a house? ›Plant large type crape myrtles a minimum of 6ft away from a structure (house, etc).
How far apart do you plant dynamite Crepe Myrtles? ›When planting a screen space the plants 6 feet apart. It is important when planting Crepe Myrtles not to plant any deeper than the containers they are in and not to cover the roots with a lot of soil.
Which crape myrtle is hot pink? ›Gardening just got a lot more interesting. Center Stage Pink crape myrtle brings the drama with its brilliantly colored hot pink flowers and intense reddish-black foliage.