Historically, I've always thought the pinks, lavenders and white crepe myrtles were the prettiest and best bloomers. The darker pink/near red ones don't seem to be as spectacular.

Last week, I saw a variety I had never seen before, the Red Rocket, at Shades of Green. It is absolutely the reddist of reds (Fire Engine at least). I've seen nothing prettier. Covington's has a near second variety, Dynomite.

Has anyone seen or had success with either of these varieties?

I planted two Dynamite crepe myrtles, which I thought to be one of the reddest of the reds and they have come back this year even after a major hail storm. Mine seem to be going strong here in North Texas. No flowers yet, but beautiful foliage.

Yes, my red rocket is in bloom right now...its awesome. I bought mine from calloways last year; its doubled in size already...currently 3-4' should get to 10 to 15'. Its planted in raised bed...likes good drainaged!

Go get you one!!! You'll love it!!!

_________________
Lee Harris
Little Elm, TX

So, are these Red Rockets full sized, Dwarf, or Mini-Dwarfs?

I've a large pink tree, three dwarf whites, and two mini purples already but red would be great to add, if it's not too large.

_________________
Shepherd of the Trees
It is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succor of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields we know so that those who live after may have clean earth to till.

I believe the Red Rocket is full size, 10-15'. I hear it grows fast, hence the rocket name.

_________________
Lee Harris
Little Elm, TX

Keep in mind that full size for a Crapemyrtle is up to 30-35 feet. A 10-15 footer would be mid-sized.

"Red Rocket" is an upright tree form single or multiple stem to 15 feet or more. It has high mildew resistance and huge flower clusters up to 25 inches tall! The color is a beautiful cherry red in full sunlight. Clouds or shade will reduce color and flecks of white appear.
Dr. Carl Whitcomb is the cultivator of many beautiful reds! see:http://lacebarkinc.com/pat_plants.htm

_________________
Nadine Bielling
Moderator
Gardener Exchange Forum

The Laws of Ecology:
"All things are interconnected. Everything goes somewhere. There's no such thing as a free lunch. Nature bats last." --Ernest Callenbach

The first time I saw these was at Plano city hall. They have looked fantastic all summer and have seemed to be resistant to that milky white fungus. The color of these things is so crimson that I figured the aggies must have developed them. I'm buying one this week from Garison Gardens. I bought some nice red lava rock to mulch it with. I can't wait these things are ablsolutly gorgeous.