Lagerstroemia Indica Dynamite Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia Indica Dynamite is a beautiful deciduous flowering shrub or small tree with peeling bark and rich red ruffled summer flowers. It loves a hot, sheltered spot ideally against a south-facing wall.

Lagerstroemia Indica is commonly as Crape Myrtle. It’s native to the Indian subcontinent, hence the name Indica, and across Southeast Asia, China, Japan and Korea. The cultivar Dynamite was bred by Carl Whitman in the United States for its bright red flowers that are some of the truest red available. This is a deciduous plant, so its creped vibrant red flowers appear in mid-summer and last until autumn. Its flowers arrive at the same time creating a huge and dramatic long-lasting display before falling as the colder weather approaches. Attractive mottled grey and cinnamon peeling bark is displayed throughout winter before new pale green foliage emerges in spring maturing to deep rich green over the summer and then orangey-red during autumn.

Crape myrtles have an undeserved reputation for being difficult, but when they have plenty of shelter and sun, they’re capable of a breath-taking display. Lagerstroemia Indica Dynamite is a great choice for sunny gardens and lovers of intense colour.

Height And Spread of Lagerstroemia Indica Dynamite
Lagerstroemia Indica Dynamite will reach 4-8 metres in height and spread over 10-20 years.

How Hardy Is Lagerstroemia Indica Dynamite
Crape Myrtle are tender to harsh frost and do best in the south of the UK in sheltered, sunny spots.

How To Use Lagerstroemia Indica Dynamite
Crape Myrtle Dynamite is a stunning ornamental specimen shrub or tree in a hot border or front garden where it can soak up lots of heat. Although they look breath-taking planted alone, a swathe of crape myrtle is a real treat. We sell a large collection in various flowering colours on the website that look good mixed together.
Bright crape myrtle is attractive to pollinators and does an excellent job of extending the garden season with its late summer to autumn flowers and colourful autumnal leaves.
A good choice for coastal areas and south-facing gardens, Lagerstroemia Indica Dynamite brings a huge hit of intense red to urban courtyards and country cottage style themes.

How To Care For Lagerstroemia Indica Dynamite
Lagerstroemia Indica Dynamite needs full sun and a sheltered spot to flower well. It’s best placed near a sunny, south-facing wall or fence line with plenty of shelter from the prevailing winds.
It tolerates most types of well-drained, fertile soils and appreciates a thick layer of organic mulch in spring.
Pruning isn’t required but if you want to restrict its growth or remove crossed branches do so in early spring before the foliage starts to appear.

For more information read our blog feature all about Lagerstoemia.