The Red Rocket Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Whit IV’) is one of the boldest red-flowering crape myrtles you can grow. All summer long it launches big clusters of brilliant cherry-red, crepe-papery blooms on a fast-growing, upright, multi-stemmed small tree. Its foliage emerges crimson in spring, matures to glossy dark green, and finishes the season in fiery orange-red, then drops to reveal smooth, exfoliating bark for winter interest. Bred by Dr. Carl Whitcomb for strong color and disease resistance, the Red Rocket Crape Myrtle brings dependable, four-season impact to any sunny spot.

Why Grow a Red Rocket Crape Myrtle?

Brilliant true-red blooms – large clusters of cherry-red, crepe-papery flowers all summer into early fall.
Four-season interest – crimson spring growth, red summer flowers, orange-red fall color, and exfoliating winter bark.
Mildew-resistant – selected for improved resistance to powdery mildew and other common crape myrtle problems.
Fast & upright – also a quick grower with an upright habit, great where you want height and bold color.
Pollinator-friendly & pet-safe – the blooms attract bees and butterflies, and the plant is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Looking for more flowering color? Browse our Flowering Plants and Trees collections.

Plant Specifications at a Glance

Botanical name: Lagerstroemia indica ‘Whit IV’ (Red Rocket®)
Plant type: Deciduous flowering small tree or large shrub (multi-stemmed, upright)
Plant family: Lythraceae (the loosestrife family)
Mature size: about 15–20 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide (can reach larger in ideal conditions)
Flowers: Large, crepe-papery, cherry-red clusters from summer into early fall (on new wood)
Foliage & bark: Crimson new growth maturing to green, orange-red in fall; smooth exfoliating bark
Notable traits: Mildew-resistant, drought-tolerant, heat-tolerant, deer-resistant, pet-safe
Cold Hardiness Zones: 6–9

Red Rocket Crape Myrtle Care & Growing Guide

Crape myrtles are easy to grow in the right spot. Follow these guidelines:

Sunlight: Full sun, at least six hours of direct sun a day. Specifically, full sun is important for the best red color, since shade and cloudy weather can fade the blooms.
Water: Water deeply and regularly for the first couple of years to establish a strong root system, and more often in extreme heat. Once mature, it is drought-tolerant and benefits from occasional deep watering.
Soil: Adapts to most well-drained soils, including acidic, alkaline, and clay. However, avoid soggy ground.
Cold Hardiness Zone: 6–9. In colder areas, plant in a sheltered spot and mulch the roots.
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth, since it blooms on new wood. Remove dead or crossing branches, but avoid heavy topping (crape murder).

Ways to Use Red Rocket Crape Myrtle in the Landscape

This bold red tree commands attention in sunny spaces. Popular uses for the Red Rocket Crape Myrtle include:

Bold flowering specimen or focal-point tree
Also row or cluster plantings for a summer-blooming privacy screen
Red color near patios, entries, and along driveways
Similarly, an anchor for mixed borders and pollinator gardens
Street-tree-style accents in urban and residential settings

It pairs beautifully with other sun-loving, colorful plants. For example, gardeners often combine it with the coral-pink Tuscarora Crape Myrtle, the bird-friendly Red Cluster Bottlebrush, or the bright Scarlet Sage.

What You’ll Receive

These are live Red Rocket Crape Myrtle starter plants, grown and shipped by Carlo’s Plant Farm. Each plant is less than 12 inches tall when we ship it. The listing photos show mature plants of the same species. That way, you can see how yours will look as they grow and bloom. Finally, choose your preferred bundle size using the options above.

Also, due to different state laws, we reserve the right to charge extra fees where necessary to comply.

Ordering, Shipping & Returns

Every order ships free and is insured against loss or damage in transit. For full details on how we pack and send your plants, processing and delivery times, and what to do in the rare case of a problem, please review our Shipping Policy and Terms & Conditions before purchasing. By placing an order, you agree to those terms.

Red Rocket Crape Myrtle FAQ

Growing & Care Questions

What color are Red Rocket Crape Myrtle flowers?

They are a brilliant, true cherry-red. Notably, all summer long the tree launches big clusters of crepe-papery red blooms, making it one of the boldest red crape myrtles you can grow.

Does the Red Rocket Crape Myrtle have multi-season color?

Yes, it offers four seasons of interest. The foliage emerges crimson in spring, matures to glossy dark green, and turns fiery orange-red in fall. Then it drops to reveal smooth, exfoliating winter bark.

How big does the Red Rocket Crape Myrtle get?

It reaches about 15 to 20 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide, with an upright habit, and larger in ideal conditions. As a result, it is great where you want height and bold color.

Is the Red Rocket Crape Myrtle mildew resistant?

Yes. Bred by Dr. Carl Whitcomb, it was selected for improved resistance to powdery mildew and other common crape myrtle problems. Therefore, it stays cleaner than many older varieties.

How far apart should I plant Red Rocket Crape Myrtles?

For a row or screen, space trees about 10 to 15 feet apart. That spacing gives each upright canopy room to fill in while keeping good airflow.

Hardiness, Buying & Shipping Questions

How much sun does the Red Rocket Crape Myrtle need?

It needs full sun, at least six hours of direct sun a day. Importantly, full sun is key for the best red color, since shade and cloudy weather can fade the blooms.

How often should I water a Red Rocket Crape Myrtle?

Water deeply and regularly for the first couple of years to establish a strong root system, and more often in extreme heat. Once mature, it is drought-tolerant and benefits from occasional deep watering.

What growing zones is the Red Rocket Crape Myrtle suited for?

It is hardy in USDA Cold Hardiness Zones 6 to 9. However, in colder areas, plant it in a sheltered spot and mulch the roots for added protection.

How and when should I prune it?

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth, since it blooms on new wood. Remove dead or crossing branches. However, avoid heavy topping, often called crape murder, which spoils the natural form.

What size plants will I receive?

You will receive live Red Rocket Crape Myrtle starter plants. Each one is under 12 inches tall at shipping, grown and shipped by Carlo’s Plant Farm. The listing photos show mature plants of the same species. So you can see how yours will look as they grow and bloom. Finally, choose your bundle size using the options above.

Red Rocket Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia) bright red summer flower clusters

Red Rocket crape myrtle ruby-red crepe-papery blooms

Click to enlarge

Red Rocket crape myrtle small flowering tree in bloom

Red Rocket crape myrtle red flower panicles close-up

Red Rocket crape myrtle multi-stemmed tree in a landscape

Carlos Plant Farm

Red Rocket Crape Myrtle Plant – Lagerstroemia indica ‘Whit IV’ (True-Red Flowering Tree, Live Starter Plant)

Price range: $33.79 through $178.32

Bring bold red color to your yard with a live Red Rocket Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Whit IV’). This fast-growing, deciduous small tree produces large clusters of brilliant cherry-red, crepe-papery flowers all summer, with crimson new growth, orange-red fall color, and smooth exfoliating winter bark. Bred for strong color and mildew resistance, it matures to about 15–20 feet, is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, pollinator-friendly, and pet-safe. Shipped as a healthy live starter plant (under 12 inches tall) by Carlos Plant Farm. Cold hardy in USDA zones 6–9.

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