Dynamite Crape Myrtle

Dynamite® (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Whit II’) is an upright, tree-form crape myrtle with cherry-red flowers and crimson new growth that turns green. The red is strongest in hot, sunny weather; shade and cloudy conditions can cause flowers to fade or develop white flecks. ## Size and seasonal color The breeder lists an upright form to about 15 feet, and an exact-cultivar profile gives a mature range of 10–15 feet tall by 12–20 feet wide. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 6–9. New leaves emerge crimson, mature to dark green, and develop orange fall color. Its size and bold bloom make it useful as a specimen tree or in a mixed border. Dynamite was introduced by Dr. Carl Whitcomb in 1997 as an early true-red crape myrtle; UF/IFAS identifies Dynamite® as the trademarked name of ‘Whit II’. ## Siting Choose a full-sun location to support the strongest red flower color and give the mature canopy room to spread. Use well-drained soil; crape myrtles grow poorly in wet, poorly drained sites. Established plants tolerate drought, while extra water supports faster growth and flowering during dry periods. ## Maintenance Water thoroughly during establishment, then adjust to rainfall and soil conditions. In a properly sited garden, crape myrtle generally needs little pruning. Shape selectively after leaves fall and avoid severe cuts into large branches, which can delay flowering and produce excess shoots. See the [Whit cultivar collection details from Dr. Carl Whitcomb](https://drcarlwhitcomb.com/red-crapemyrtles), [UF/IFAS red crape myrtle guidance](https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/red-crape-myrtle-varieties/), and the [Arbor Day Foundation’s Dynamite profile](https://shop.arborday.org/treeguide/1095).