Red Rocket Crape Myrtle Vs Dynamite

Choosing the right crape myrtle for your garden can be tough, especially when you’re looking at two stunning red varieties. If you’re trying to decide between a Red Rocket Crape Myrtle vs Dynamite, you’re looking at two of the most vibrant and long-blooming options available.

Both of these trees are famous for their brilliant red flowers and impressive display. But they have distinct differences that might make one a better fit for your specific yard. Understanding these details will help you make the perfect choice for years of beautiful blooms.

Key Differences at a Glance

Before we get into the deep details, here’s a quick overview of how these two popular crape myrtles compare. This should give you a solid starting point.

Flower Color: Red Rocket has true cherry-red blooms. Dynamite has a slightly brighter, fire-engine red color.
Growth Habit: Red Rocket is more upright and vase-shaped. Dynamite has a broader, more rounded canopy.
Fall Color: Red Rocket offers brilliant orange and red foliage. Dynamite typically shows yellow and orange tones.
Bark: Both have exfoliating bark, but Red Rocket’s cinnamon-brown bark is often considered more showy in winter.
Size: Both are large shrubs/small trees, but Red Rocket can grow slightly taller under ideal conditions.

Meet the Contenders: Individual Profiles

Let’s take a closer look at each variety on its own merits. Knowing what each one brings to the table is the first step in your decision.

Red Rocket Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Red Rocket’)

This variety is a real showstopper. It’s known for its prolific blooming and sturdy, upright form. The flowers are a deep, rich red that truly pop against the dark green foliage.

One of it’s best features is the long blooming season, often lasting from early summer right into fall. After the flowers fade, the brilliant fall foliage and peeling bark provide multi-season interest. It’s a tough tree that tolerates heat, humidity, and some drought once established.

Dynamite Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Dynamite’)

True to its name, the Dynamite crape myrtle makes a vivid statement. Its red is a bit brighter and more vibrant than the Red Rocket, sometimes appearing almost neon against the leaves.

It’s famous for its incredibly long and reliable bloom time. This variety is also highly resistant to powdery mildew, a common issue for some crape myrtles. Its growth habit is full and rounded, making it look lush and dense throughout the growing season.

Side-by-Side Comparison: The Detailed Breakdown

Now, let’s put them head-to-head across the categories that matter most for gardeners. This detailed comparison will highlight where each one shines.

Bloom Power and Color

Both are champions, but the shade difference is noticeable. Red Rocket’s blooms are a classic, saturated cherry red. They are slightly darker and deeper in tone.

Dynamite’s flowers are a striking, bright red. They can appear more fluorescent, especially in full sun. In terms of bloom duration, they are virtually tied, both offering that coveted long-blooming performance from summer to frost.

Growth Shape and Size

This is a major differentiator. Red Rocket grows in a very upright, almost columnar or vase-shaped form. It’s excellent for narrower spaces or where you want vertical accent.

Dynamite grows with a wider, more spreading habit. It becomes a broad, rounded shrub or small tree. This shape provides excellent shade and a fuller look in the landscape. Mature size for both is typically 15-25 feet tall and wide, but Red Rocket can occasionally reach closer to 30 feet.

Foliage and Seasonal Interest

Spring and summer foliage is similar—a handsome dark green. The real difference comes in autumn. Red Rocket consistently delivers stunning red and orange fall color, which is a huge bonus.

Dynamite’s fall color is usually a mix of yellow and orange, though it can sometimes have red hints. For winter interest, both have exfoliating bark, but many gardeners prefer the rich cinnamon-brown peeling bark of the Red Rocket.

Hardiness and Disease Resistance

Both trees are hardy in USDA zones 7-9, tolerating a wide range of soil conditions. They both love full sun for the best flower production.

Dynamite has a slight edge in disease resistance, particularly against powdery mildew. While Red Rocket is generally healthy, Dynamite is one of the most mildew-resistant varieties on the market, which is a big plus in humid climates.

How to Choose the Right One for Your Garden

So, which one should you plant? The answer depends on your specific goals and garden layout. Ask yourself these questions.

What’s your space like? For a narrow planting bed or near a driveway, the upright Red Rocket is often better. For a broader area where you want a canopy, choose Dynamite.
What color theme do you prefer? Do you want a deeper, classic red (Red Rocket) or a brighter, punchier red (Dynamite)?
Is fall color a priority? If you want spectacular red fall foliage, Red Rocket is the clear winner here.
How is your local humidity? In very humid areas prone to mildew, Dynamite’s resistance might save you some trouble.

Planting and Care for Success

Once you’ve made your choice, proper planting and care will ensure your tree thrives. Follow these steps for a healthy, vibrant crape myrtle.

Step 1: Planting Your Tree

Timing is best in early spring or fall. Choose a location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. The soil should be well-drained.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, but no deeper.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
Backfill with the native soil, gently tamping down to remove air pockets.
Water deeply to settle the soil around the roots.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk.

Step 2: Watering and Feeding

Water your new tree regularly for the first growing season to help it establish a strong root system. After that, both varieties are quite drought-tolerant.

In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

Step 3: Pruning the Right Way

Proper pruning is essential for good form and maximum blooms. The most common mistake is “crape murder,” or chopping the tops off, which ruins their natural shape.

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
Remove any suckers at the base, crossing branches, and inward-growing branches.
Thin out small, twiggy growth to improve air circulation.
Simply snip off the old seed heads if you want, but avoid heavy topping.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even tough plants can have issues. Here’s what to watch for with your crape myrtle.

Aphids: These tiny pests can appear, often followed by sooty mold. A strong spray of water from the hose or insecticidal soap usually takes care of them.

Powdery Mildew: This white fungus on leaves is less likely on Dynamite but can affect Red Rocket in humid, shady conditions. Ensure full sun and good air circulation. Fungicides can be used if needed.

Poor Blooming: If your tree isn’t flowering well, the cause is usually not enough sun, too much nitrogen fertilizer, or improper pruning. Check these factors first.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which grows faster, Red Rocket or Dynamite crape myrtle?
Both are considered fast-growing, often putting on 2-3 feet per year when young. Their growth rates are very similar under good conditions.

Can I grow these in a container?
While possible when very young, these are large plants. They will quickly become root-bound and won’t reach their full potential. They are best suited for planting in the ground.

Do deer eat Red Rocket or Dynamite crape myrtles?
Crape myrtles are generally considered deer-resistant. Deer might browse them if food is very scarce, but they are not a preferred plant, which is a great advantage for many gardeners.

How long do the blooms last on these trees?
This is their superstar feature! Both can bloom for 80 to 100 days or more, typically from early or mid-summer straight through until the first autumn frost.

Choosing between a Red Rocket Crape Myrtle vs Dynamite ultimately comes down to personal preference for color and form. You really can’t go wrong with either selection. Both will provide the vibrant color and long-blooming performance that makes crape myrtles such beloved garden trees. Consider your space, think about the autumn show you want, and then plant with confidence. Your garden will thank you for years to come with a spectacular display of red.