The Dynamite Crape Myrtle is a deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its profusion of large, showy red flowers that bloom in summer. The flowers are borne in panicles at the tips of branches and are known for their intense color and long-lasting display. The foliage of the Dynamite Crape Myrtle is dark green in color and turns shades of orange, red, and yellow in the fall before dropping. In addition to its flowers, it is also valued for its attractive exfoliating bark, which peels away to reveal smooth, cinnamon-colored bark underneath. Individual plants may vary in size depending on growing conditions, climate, and pruning practices. Dynamite Crape Myrtles have an upright, vase-shaped growth habit with multiple stems emerging from the base which makes it ideal for framing corners of a house or creating a tall, flowering privacy screen.
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Scientific Name
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Lagerstroemia indica 'Whit II' |
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Foliage: Deciduous
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Leaves: In spring, the new growth is a distinct wine-red, providing color even before the flowers arrive. By summer, they are a thick, glossy green that resists spotting. In the fall, the canopy turns a vibrant orange-red.
Flowers: Brilliant, cherry-red crinkled petals. Interestingly, if the tree does not get enough sunlight or experiences a very cloudy spring, the first few blooms may appear white or mottled before turning solid red.
Bark: Smooth and cinnamon-to-gray in color. As it ages, it exfoliates beautifully, creating a "camouflage" pattern on the trunk that looks stunning in the winter.
Seeds: Small, round woody pods. These can be left on the tree for winter interest or "deadheaded" in July to encourage a second flush of red blooms.
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Mature Height
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15-20 feet |
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Mature Width (Spread)
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10-15 feet |
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Growth Rate
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Fast (2-3 feet per year) |
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USDA Zone
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6-10 |
Plant Care & Characteristics
Light Requirements: Full Sun (6+ hours). Shady conditions will cause the red flowers to bloom white or light pink.
Water Requirements: Moderate. Requires deep watering during its first year. Once established, it is quite self-sufficient.
Drought Resistance: High. Once the root system is mature, it handles heat and dry spells exceptionally well.
Soil Type: Adaptable. Thrives in well-drained soil with good fertility and adequate moisture retention; tolerates clay, loam, or sand. Amending the soil with organic matter such as compost or peat moss before planting can improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients for healthy growth. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the shallow roots.
Deer Resistance: High. Deer generally do not find the foliage or bitter seeds palatable.
Maintenance: Dynamite Crape Myrtles are relatively low-maintenance once established but benefit from regular care to ensure healthy growth and abundant flowering. Prune Crape Myrtles as needed to remove dead, diseased, or overgrown branches and to maintain the desired shape and size. Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season, while more extensive pruning is typically done in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
