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Tuscarora Crape Myrtle

Name: Tuscarora Crape Myrtle
Brand: Lagerstroemia
Availability: InStock

Lagerstroemia 'Tuscarora'

$79.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240 inches

Width

216 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets.

The Story

Plant Bio

Crape Myrtles are deciduous shrubs or small trees celebrated for their large, showy, long-lasting summer flower panicles. They also feature attractive exfoliating bark and good fall color. 'Tuscarora' is a U.S. National Arboretum introduction known for its excellent resistance to powdery mildew, vigorous growth, and stunning dark coral-pink flowers. Its mottled, exfoliating bark is highly ornamental in winter.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

'Tuscarora' provides a spectacular, long-lasting display of vibrant coral-pink flowers throughout the heat of summer. In winter, its smooth, mottled, peeling bark offers significant visual appeal, complemented by a handsome, vase-shaped structure.

It is a tough, drought-tolerant tree once established, making it suitable for low-water landscapes and challenging urban sites like parking lot islands and street medians. Its high mildew resistance reduces maintenance needs.

The abundant flowers are a rich source of pollen for bees, especially honeybees and bumblebees, throughout the summer months when other floral resources may be scarce. The dense canopy provides shade and cover for wildlife.

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sun per day.
Ensure the soil is well-drained; crape myrtles dislike wet feet.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the container.
Place the tree in the hole, making sure the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with the original soil and water thoroughly.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.

Pro Tip

Avoid 'crape murder'—the severe topping of trunks. Instead, selectively prune branches to enhance the natural vase shape and beautiful bark.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full, all-day sun for maximum flowering.
Water deeply during dry spells, especially when young.
Remove spent flower clusters to encourage a possible second, smaller bloom.
Selectively thin out branches to reveal the beautiful exfoliating bark.

Don't

Do not plant in the shade; it will result in few flowers and disease issues.
Do not commit 'crape murder' by lopping off the tops of the main stems.
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce flowering.
Do not plant too close to a building, as it needs good air circulation.

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

Outstanding summer-flowering specimen treeColorful anchor for a sunny mixed borderStately street tree in warm climates

Companion Plants

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' Salvia leucantha Lantana camara Agapanthus africanus Hemerocallis 'Stella de Oro'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tuscarora Crape Myrtle questions

What zones can Tuscarora Crape Myrtle grow in?

Tuscarora Crape Myrtle is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Tuscarora Crape Myrtle deer resistant?

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

When does Tuscarora Crape Myrtle bloom?

Tuscarora 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 Tuscarora Crape Myrtle need full sun?

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

Is Tuscarora Crape Myrtle drought tolerant?

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