Crape Myrtle

About this plant

The Lagerstroemia Indica 'Red Rocket' is a show-stopping crape myrtle known for its intense, true-red flowers that burst forth from summer through early fall. This upright, deciduous tree offers multi-season interest, with attractive exfoliating bark that provides visual appeal even in winter. Beyond its stunning floral display, 'Red Rocket' boasts excellent disease resistance, making it a low-maintenance choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Its relatively compact size and vigorous growth habit make it a versatile specimen for various landscape applications. Perfect as a dramatic focal point, an ornamental shade tree for smaller spaces, or planted in groups for a stunning street-side display, the 'Red Rocket' Crape Myrtle promises to deliver unparalleled color and elegance to your outdoor oasis.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Thrives in well-draining soil. Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to encourage robust growth and abundant blooms. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the tree, remove dead or crossing branches, and encourage prolific flowering on new wood. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer as it can remove flower buds.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.