Red Rocket Crape Myrtle

Red Rocket Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica 'Whit IV')

Red Rocket Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica 'Whit IV') is a fast-growing, upright cultivar prized for its intense cherry-red blooms, exceptional height, and long summer flowering season. This vigorous selection makes a powerful visual statement in the landscape with its bold color, smooth bark, and upright habit. It�s especially suited for gardeners seeking quick growth and strong summer impact.

Distinctive Features

'Red Rocket' lives up to its name by producing vibrant, true red flower clusters that begin blooming in mid to late summer and last well into fall. The blooms emerge against dark green foliage that turns shades of orange and red in autumn. Known for its rapid growth, this variety can reach 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide, forming a narrow, vase-shaped canopy that works well as a specimen or street-side tree.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained; adaptable to clay, loam, or sandy soils
• Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Striking red flowers and tall growth habit demand attention
• Specimen Tree: A commanding presence in lawns, large beds, or open courtyards
• Street Tree: Narrow shape and heat tolerance make it suitable for curbside planting
• Privacy Screen: Can be planted in a staggered row for a seasonal screen
• Mixed Borders: Adds height and late-season color to large planting schemes

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during establishment; requires little water once mature
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to encourage new growth and dense flowering
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with a balanced fertilizer for best results
• Mulching: Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and reduce weeds
• Disease Resistance: Good resistance to powdery mildew and common crape myrtle issues

Why Choose Red Rocket Crape Myrtle?

• Fast Growth: Quickly adds structure and seasonal color to the landscape
• Brilliant Red Blooms: One of the most vibrant red-flowering crape myrtles
• Tall, Upright Form: Ideal for formal or large-scale plantings
• Extended Bloom Time: Delivers color from midsummer through fall
• Focal Point: A bold and colorful choice for standout summer performance

Lagerstroemia indica 'Whit IV' offers unmatched vigor, long-lasting red blooms, and reliable performance in hot, sunny environments. Red Rocket Crape Myrtle is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add vertical drama and fiery color to their landscape.