Crape myrtles are popular landscaping choices, celebrated for their vibrant summer blooms and attractive bark. Among the many available cultivars, ‘Red Rocket’ and ‘Dynamite’ stand out for their striking red flowers.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Bloom color is a primary distinguishing characteristic. ‘Red Rocket’ typically produces a deep, true red flower, maintaining a consistent hue throughout its bloom cycle. In contrast, ‘Dynamite’ features a brighter, more vivid scarlet red bloom, which can sometimes fade to a slightly lighter tone in intense heat.
Mature size and growth habit also vary. ‘Red Rocket’ generally matures into a taller, more upright tree, often reaching heights of 15 to 20 feet with a spread of 6 to 8 feet. Its growth tends to be columnar, making it suitable for narrower spaces. ‘Dynamite’ usually grows to a slightly shorter stature, typically 10 to 15 feet tall with a similar spread, and often develops a more rounded or spreading habit.
Flowering time and duration also differ. Both are prolific summer bloomers, but ‘Dynamite’ often begins flowering earlier, sometimes in late spring, with ‘Red Rocket’ following shortly after. Both continue to bloom generously throughout the summer. ‘Dynamite’ is recognized for its distinctive new foliage, which emerges with a reddish-burgundy tint before maturing to green, and its fall foliage often turns a vibrant orange-red. ‘Red Rocket’ also offers attractive cinnamon-brown exfoliating bark as it matures.
Shared Growing Conditions and Benefits
‘Red Rocket’ and ‘Dynamite’ crape myrtles share many growing requirements. Both thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant flowering and healthy growth. They perform best in well-draining soil, adaptable to a range of soil types from sandy to clay.
Initial establishment requires consistent watering, particularly during dry periods in their first year. Once established, they exhibit good drought tolerance, needing less frequent irrigation. Pruning practices are similar for both, typically involving the removal of dead or crossing branches in late winter or early spring to maintain structure and promote new growth and flowering. Proper pruning helps prevent common issues like “crape murder.”
Both cultivars share a similar level of resistance to common crape myrtle diseases such as powdery mildew. They are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies during their long blooming season. Their shared appeal makes them versatile for various landscape applications, including specimen trees, informal hedges, or mixed borders.
Choosing the Right Crape Myrtle
Selecting between ‘Red Rocket’ and ‘Dynamite’ crape myrtles depends on specific landscape needs and aesthetic preferences. Consider the available space and the desired mature size and shape. If a taller, more columnar form is needed for a narrow area or as an upright accent, ‘Red Rocket’ would be a more fitting choice.
Alternatively, if a slightly broader, more rounded tree is preferred, or if an earlier burst of bright scarlet red is desired, ‘Dynamite’ may be more suitable. The subtle differences in bloom color, from ‘Red Rocket’s’ deep true red to ‘Dynamite’s’ vibrant scarlet, also play a role in matching existing garden palettes. Both varieties offer exceptional beauty and performance.