Dynamite Red Crepe Myrtle
(Lagerstroemia indica)
Native Range: South and East Asia; Northern Australia
Sun/Shade: Prefers full sun
Flowers: Many colors to choose from Red, pink, white, lavender and variations
between, but Dynamite Red are awesome bright red and one of the latest and
greatest Crepe Myrtle varieties. Crepe Myrtles normally bloom in early summer
on new growth, but in springs with severe drought, they may not bloom until
fall brings cooler weather, rain and adequate growth. They normally provide
about a month of awesome color.
Landscape Use: Small ornamental trees commonly used as individual
specimens or in a row. Crepe Myrtles seem to look their best when they are not
crowded together but allowed to spread without growing into each other. Can
be one of the fastest ways to get privacy for the warmer months, but are
deciduous, not evergreen.
Container Use: Not recommended for pots since they put on roots so fast that
they quickly dry out, get stressed and do not bloom well. This problem also
makes finding a good looking nursery specimen more difficult, but once planted
in the ground, their appearance will improve drastically.
Size: 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide.
Type: Deciduous small ornamental tree or large bush.
Drought Tolerance: Very drought tolerant but looks best with occasional
watering.
Soil: Not particular about soil as long as it drains well and does not remain
constantly wet. Does well in rocky soil or even better with soil enhancement.
Water: Smart Watering Principle=Water well when first planted then allow to
dry slightly, without wilting, then water deeply again, etc. Do not keep
constantly wet.
Fertilizer: Looks even better with regular fertilization.
Maintenance Tips: Cut last years blooms and stems back to about a pencil’s
width or take about 18” inches off. However, if you have trimmed your Crepe
Myrtle into a tree form, and you find that your leaf canopy and color is getting
so high that you cannot see it out your favorite window; you may want to take
more off. Severely topping off Crepe Myrtles does not hurt the tree, but will
hinder attractive limb development. Crepe Myrtles do shed some of their flower
pedals, which some people find annoying, especially around pools.
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