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Tuskegee Crape Myrtle

The Story

Plant Bio

Crape Myrtles are deciduous shrubs or small trees prized for their long season of large, showy flower panicles, handsome exfoliating bark, and good fall color.

'Tuskegee' is a U.S. National Arboretum introduction with a broad, spreading habit, dark pinkish-red flowers, and exceptional resistance to powdery mildew. Its new foliage emerges with a reddish-bronze tint.

Uses & Benefits:

A star of the summer garden, 'Tuskegee' provides months of vibrant color with its large flower trusses. The exfoliating bark adds year-round appeal, and its orange-red fall color extends its seasonal interest.

Its dense, spreading canopy provides useful summer shade. Being highly drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, it's an excellent choice for hot, sunny locations and water-wise landscapes. It can be used as a single specimen or planted in a row for a deciduous screen.

The flowers are a rich source of pollen for bees and other pollinating insects during the summer months. The dense branching structure offers cover and potential nesting sites for birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

180 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Tolerates high humidity

Lifespan

Long-lived, 50+ years

Native To

Hybrid of Asian species

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sun.
Ensure the soil is well-drained; amend heavy clay if necessary.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the container.
Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

To reveal the beautiful bark, selectively prune lower limbs and suckers from the main trunks as the tree matures. Avoid severe topping.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full, direct sun for maximum flowering.
Water deeply but infrequently once established.
Prune selectively in late winter to enhance natural form.
Choose a mildew-resistant variety like 'Tuskegee'.

Don't

Don't plant in shady locations, which reduces blooms and promotes disease.
Avoid 'crape murder'—the severe topping of main trunks.
Don't overwater; they are drought-tolerant.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that encourage leaves over flowers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Long-blooming summer specimen treeColorful informal screen or hedgeAnchor for perennial borders

Companion Plants

Pennisetum alopecuroides Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm'Salvia leucantha Perovskia atriplicifolia Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tuskegee Crape Myrtle questions

What zones can Tuskegee Crape Myrtle grow in?

Tuskegee 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 Tuskegee Crape Myrtle deer resistant?

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

When does Tuskegee Crape Myrtle bloom?

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

Does Tuskegee Crape Myrtle need full sun?

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

Is Tuskegee Crape Myrtle drought tolerant?

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