Red Rocket Crape Myrtle

Red Rocket® is the registered crapemyrtle selection Lagerstroemia indica 'Whit IV'. Its cherry-red flower panicles open in mid to late summer above foliage that emerges crimson, matures green, and turns orange to red in fall. North Carolina State Extension describes an upright, multi-stemmed form; allow room for a substantial shrub or small tree in a hot, sunny planting. ## Seasonal Interest The summer flowers may rebloom, and colorful young leaves and autumn foliage extend the display beyond bloom. Smooth bark and the multi-stem framework provide winter structure after the leaves drop. ## Growing Conditions Choose full sun and moist, well-drained soil. A layer of organic mulch helps conserve moisture. NCSU lists Zones 6–9 and notes drought and heat tolerance; young plants still benefit from consistent watering while establishing. Its profile gives a compact 10–15-foot narrative estimate as well as larger tree-form dimensions in its structured data, so site it with room for mature growth. ## Maintenance Because this cultivar flowers on new wood, selective pruning is preferable to cutting the crown back hard each winter. Remove damaged or crowded stems and monitor for aphids, scale, and Japanese beetles. Sources: [NCSU Extension Red Rocket profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lagerstroemia-indica-whit-iv/common-name/red-rocket-crape-myrtle/).