Species

Lagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

25 other cultivars

tree

Dynamite Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica 'Whit Ii'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lagerstroemia, or Crape Myrtle, are quintessential trees of the American South, known for their long season of spectacular, crinkly summer flowers, attractive exfoliating bark, and excellent heat and drought tolerance.

Dynamite® ('Whit II') is a standout cultivar celebrated for its massive panicles of true, fire-engine red flowers. Its new foliage emerges a striking crimson-maroon before maturing to green, and it exhibits good resistance to powdery mildew.

Uses & Benefits:

Dynamite® offers a spectacular, long-lasting summer floral show with its vibrant red blooms. The beautiful, smooth, exfoliating bark provides significant winter interest, and the orange-red fall color extends its seasonal appeal.

It is a tough, drought-tolerant tree perfect for hot, sunny locations. It can be used as a single specimen, planted in groups for high impact, or used to line a property boundary or driveway.

The flowers are a valuable source of pollen for bees during the summer months when many other plants have finished blooming.

SpeciesLagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Over 50 years

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Early fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select the sunniest spot in your yard; full sun is essential for flowering.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Place the tree in the hole so the top of the root ball is slightly above soil level.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Mulch around the base with 2-3 inches of organic matter.
Water deeply once or twice a week for the first summer.

Pro Tip

Avoid severe topping, or 'crape murder', which creates weak growth and ruins the beautiful natural form and bark.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full, all-day sun for the best flower production.
Water deeply but infrequently once established to encourage drought resistance.
Prune selectively in late winter to enhance the natural form.
Remove seed heads after flowering to potentially encourage a second, smaller bloom.

Don't

Do not plant in the shade; it will result in few or no flowers.
Avoid committing 'crape murder' by lopping off the tops of the branches.
Don't overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Refrain from planting near patios where aphid honeydew could be a nuisance.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Show-stopping summer specimen treeVibrant street or driveway liningTall, informal flowering screen

Companion Plants

Hemerocallis 'Hyperion'Salvia leucantha Pennisetum alopecuroides Lantana camara Buddleja davidii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Dynamite Crape Myrtle questions

What zones can Dynamite Crape Myrtle grow in?

Dynamite Crape Myrtle is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Dynamite Crape Myrtle deer resistant?

Yes — Dynamite Crape Myrtle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Dynamite Crape Myrtle bloom?

Dynamite Crape Myrtle typically blooms in mid-summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Dynamite Crape Myrtle need full sun?

Dynamite Crape Myrtle does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Dynamite Crape Myrtle drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Dynamite Crape Myrtle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.