Choosing between a Red Rocket and a Dynamite crape myrtle involves comparing their growth habits, bloom color, and size. This guide will help you understand the key differences so you can pick the perfect flowering tree for your garden.
Both are stunning red-flowering varieties of the popular crape myrtle. They offer vibrant summer color and attractive bark. But they have distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different landscape needs.
Red Rocket Vs Dynamite Crape Myrtle
This head-to-head comparison breaks down the essential features of each cultivar. We will look at everything from flower color to cold hardiness.
Origin And Breeder Background
Understanding where these plants come from provides insight into their development.
The Dynamite crape myrtle was introduced in 1997 by Dr. Carl Whitcomb. It was a breakthrough for its true red color and mildew resistance. It quickly became a bestseller across the United States.
Red Rocket is a later introduction, brought to market by the U.S. National Arboretum. It is part of their series of disease-resistant, hardy cultivars. It was selected for its vigorous growth and prolific blooming.
Growth Habit And Tree Form
The shape and structure of these trees are quite different. This affects where you should plant them.
Dynamite crape myrtle has a broad, spreading vase shape. Its branches arch outward, creating a wide canopy. This makes it excellent for use as a large shrub or small multi-trunk tree.
Red Rocket has a more upright, columnar growth habit. It grows tall and somewhat narrow, like a rocket taking off. This form is ideal for tight spaces or creating a vertical accent in the landscape.
Mature Size Comparison
Size is a major deciding factor. You need to plant a tree that fits your available space.
- Dynamite Crape Myrtle: Typically reaches 15-20 feet in height and 12-15 feet in width at maturity.
- Red Rocket Crape Myrtle: Can grow taller, often reaching 20-25 feet in height, but only 10-15 feet wide.
Always check your specific climate, as growth can vary. Proper pruning can also manage size to some extent.
Foliage And Seasonal Color
The leaves provide interest beyond the famous blooms. Both offer a long season of appeal.
In spring, new growth emerges with a bronze or reddish tint on both varieties. The mature summer foliage is a deep, glossy green that provides a beautiful backdrop for the flowers.
Autumn is where you see a notable difference. Dynamite crape myrtle is known for its brilliant orange and red fall color. Red Rocket also turns in the fall, but its display is often more of a yellow-orange hue, which is still attractive but less intense.
Bloom Color And Flower Power
This is the star of the show. While both are “red,” the shades are distinct.
Dynamite crape myrtle produces a true, vibrant red flower. The color is consistent and holds well in full sun. The flower clusters are large and very showy against the dark green leaves.
Red Rocket’s blooms are a rich cherry red. Some gardeners describe it as a slightly softer red compared to Dynamite. Its flowers are also abundant and cover the tree in massive panicles.
Blooming Period And Duration
Both cultivars are known for their long flowering season.
- Blooming typically begins in early to mid-summer.
- Flowers continue to appear for 80 to 100 days, often lasting into fall.
- Deadheading spent blooms can encourage a second, lighter flush of flowers.
The timing can shift slightly based on your local climate and the amount of sunlight the tree recieves.
Bark And Winter Interest
Crape myrtles are valued for their exfoliating bark, which adds beauty in the dormant season.
As Dynamite crape myrtle matures, it develops lovely cinnamon-brown bark that peels away to reveal a smooth, cream-colored underlayer. The multi-stemmed form showcases this bark beautifully.
Red Rocket’s bark is also attractive, tending toward a tan to gray color with exfoliating patches. Its more upright form presents the bark in a different, elegant way.
Disease And Pest Resistance
Modern crape myrtles are bred for resilience. Both of these cultivars perform well.
They both show good resistance to powdery mildew, a common fungal issue for crape myrtles. This is a huge advantage in humid climates. They are also generally resistant to Cercospora leaf spot.
Aphids can be a occasional pest, leading to sooty mold on the leaves. This is easily managed with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap. Deer tend to avoid browsing on both varieties, which is a plus for many gardeners.
Climate Hardiness And Sun Requirements
These trees thrive in warm climates but have good cold tolerance.
Both Dynamite and Red Rocket are hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9. In Zone 6, they may die back to the ground in a harsh winter but often regrow from the roots. They perform best in the long, hot summers of Zones 7-9.
Full sun is non-negotiable for best flowering. Plant them in a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Less sun results in fewer blooms and increased disease susceptibility.
Planting And Care Guide
Proper planting and maintenance ensure your crape myrtle thrives for decades. The care for both varieties is very similar.
Site Selection And Soil Preparation
Choosing the right spot is the first step to success.
- Sunlight: Select the sunniest spot in your yard.
- Space: Measure your available space and account for the tree’s mature width. Don’t plant too close to buildings or power lines.
- Soil: Crape myrtles prefer well-drained soil. They are adaptable to most soil types but do not like constantly wet feet.
Amend heavy clay soil with compost to improve drainage before planting.
Step-By-Step Planting Instructions
Follow these steps for a healthy start.
- Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper.
- Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the ground.
- Backfill with the native soil, gently tamping it down to remove air pockets.
- Water deeply to settle the soil around the roots.
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk.
Watering And Fertilizing Schedule
Establishment is key in the first few years.
Water your new tree deeply once or twice a week for the first growing season. Once established, crape myrtles are quite drought-tolerant. Mature trees usually only need supplemental watering during extended dry periods.
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers. To much fertilizer can actually harm the tree.
Pruning Techniques And Timing
Correct pruning enhances form and flowering. Incorrect pruning, often called “crape murder,” harms the tree.
The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Focus on removing:
- Dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
- Suckers growing from the base.
- Seed heads from the previous year if desired.
Avoid topping the tree or cutting all branches back to knobs. This ruins the natural shape and leads to weak, spindly growth.
Landscape Design And Uses
How you use these trees can maximize their impact in your yard.
Best Uses For Dynamite Crape Myrtle
Its spreading form makes it versatile.
- As a focal point specimen tree on a lawn.
- Planted in a row to create a flowering hedge or screen.
- Used in mixed shrub borders for summer and fall color.
Best Uses For Red Rocket Crape Myrtle
Its upright habit suits specific applications.
- As a tall, narrow accent in tight side yards or near fences.
- Planting in a line to create an allee or formal avenue.
- Where vertical height is needed without taking up much horizontal space.
Companion Planting Ideas
Pair them with plants that complement their seasonality.
Consider underplanting with low-growing, sun-loving perennials like lavender, catmint, or creeping phlox. Ornamental grasses also provide excellent textural contrast with the crape myrtle’s blooms and bark.
Common Problems And Solutions
Even resistant trees can face issues. Here’s how to address them.
Addressing Lack Of Blooms
If your tree isn’t flowering well, check these factors:
- Sunlight: Is it getting at least 6 hours of direct sun?
- Pruning: Was it pruned too late in spring, removing flower buds?
- Fertilizer: Are you using a high-nitrogen lawn fertilizer nearby?
Managing Suckers And Root Sprouts
Suckers are shoots that grow from the base or roots. They drain energy from the main tree. The best method is to tear them off at their point of origin as soon as they appear. Cutting can encourage more sprouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is More Red, Red Rocket Or Dynamite Crape Myrtle?
Most gardeners agree the Dynamite crape myrtle has a slightly truer, brighter red flower. Red Rocket is a deep cherry red. Both are stunning, but Dynamite often wins in direct color comparisons.
How Fast Do Red Rocket And Dynamite Crape Myrtles Grow?
Both are considered fast-growing trees. Under ideal conditions, they can grow 2 to 4 feet per year when young. Red Rocket may have a slight edge in ultimate height gain due to its vigorous, upright habit.
Can You Keep These Crape Myrtles Small?
You can manage their size with careful pruning, but it is challenging to keep them drastically smaller than their natural mature size. It’s better to choose a dwarf variety if you need a very small tree. Forcing them to stay small requires constant effort and can reduce flowering.
Which One Is Better For A Small Yard?
For very limited horizontal space, the columnar form of the Red Rocket is often the better choice. If you have a wider area, the spreading Dynamite can provide excellent coverage. Always check the expected mature width before purchasing.
Are The Seed Pods Of These Trees Messy?
The seed pods that form after flowering can drop in late winter and spring. Some people find them messy. You can prune off the spent flower heads in late winter to prevent seed pod formation, which also encourages tidier new growth.