How to Grow Crape Myrtle 'Tuscarora'
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Crape Myrtle 'Tuscarora'
Lagerstroemia indica 'Tuscarora'
shrubTuscarora is a deciduous flowering shrub and cultivar of Crape Myrtle known for its stunning coral-red flowers and attractive exfoliating bark. This medium-sized shrub grows 20-25 feet tall and produces abundant clusters of crinkled flowers throughout summer and early fall. It offers year-round interest with summer blooms, colorful fall foliage, and ornamental peeling bark in winter.
When should you plant Crape Myrtle 'Tuscarora' in your zone?
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Example Crape Myrtle 'Tuscarora' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Crape Myrtle 'Tuscarora'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Crape Myrtle 'Tuscarora'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6b-9b, with best performance in zones 7-9
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Get my Crape Myrtle 'Tuscarora' timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
3-6 monthsNewly planted shrub with emerging shoots and initial root development
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulch 2-3 inches around base, keeping clear of stem. Avoid fertilizing first year.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through mid-summerRapid leafy growth with new shoots extending throughout the growing season; no flowers yet or sparse flowering
Allow natural growth habit; minimal pruning needed. Water during dry spells. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring if desired (optional).
Flowering
June through SeptemberLarge, showy clusters of coral-red crinkled flowers appear at branch tips; can produce multiple flushes of blooms
Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage continuous blooming. Maintain consistent moisture. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which reduces flowering.
Fall Transition
September through NovemberFoliage turns brilliant orange-red to burgundy; flowering decreases; leaves gradually drop
Reduce watering as plant prepares for dormancy. Do not fertilize. Admire fall color display. Remove any dead branches.
Dormancy
December through FebruaryLeafless shrub with attractive exfoliating tan, cream, and cinnamon-colored bark visible on branches and trunk
No watering needed unless drought occurs. Light pruning only if needed to shape or remove damaged wood. This is the best time for major pruning if necessary.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or fungicide if severe; choose mildew-resistant cultivars like Tuscarora
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Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from plant; apply neem oil; cultural controls include proper sanitation
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Prune heavily infested branches; apply horticultural oil in late winter; ensure good air circulation; monitor regularly
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap; use neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Increase humidity; spray with water; apply miticide if severe; ensure adequate irrigation
Uses
Ornamental Flowering Shrub
HouseholdTuscarora is prized as a landscape focal point for its brilliant coral-red flowers, attractive exfoliating bark, and reliable hardy performance. Its multi-season interest makes it valuable in gardens, parks, and public landscapes. [source]
Pollinator Habitat
WildlifeThe abundant flower clusters attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds throughout the long flowering season, providing essential nectar and pollen sources in summer months. [source]
Exfoliating Bark Display
CraftThe ornamental peeling bark revealing tan, cream, and cinnamon colors underneath provides winter visual interest and is appreciated for its natural sculptural quality in dormant gardens. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdThe coral-red flower clusters can be cut and arranged in vases as fresh cut flowers, providing 5-7 days of decorative interest indoors with proper conditioning. [source]
Harvest Tips
Crape Myrtle is not harvested for produce. Cut flowers can be harvested by removing stem clusters in the morning when they are fully hydrated. Cut stems last 5-7 days in a vase.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Tuscarora is named after the Tuscarora Nation, one of the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, reflecting Native American heritage naming traditions in horticulture.
- 🌱 Crape Myrtle's common name comes from the crepe paper-like texture of its flowers, and the tree has been cultivated for centuries in Asian gardens before becoming popular in North America.
- 🌱 The exfoliating bark characteristic of mature Crape Myrtles serves as natural pest control by shedding away accumulated scale insects and other pests during the winter bark shedding process.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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