Red Rocket Vs Dynamite Crape Myrtle

Choosing the right crape myrtle can make your summer garden shine. If you’re looking at the popular ‘Red Rocket’ and ‘Dynamite’ varieties, you’re already on the path to a vibrant summer-blooming landscape shrub. Both offer stunning red flowers and excellent heat tolerance, but they have key differences that will determine which is the perfect fit for your yard.

This guide will compare these two fantastic plants in detail. We’ll look at their size, bloom color, growth habits, and care needs. By the end, you’ll know exactly which one will give you the summer show you’re dreaming of.

At first glance, ‘Red Rocket’ and ‘Dynamite’ crape myrtles seem very similar. They both produce vibrant red blooms that last for months. They both thrive in hot, sunny locations. However, their growth patterns, mature sizes, and even the exact hue of their flowers set them apart in important ways.

Understanding these differences is crucial for good garden planning. Putting a tree that wants to be 25 feet tall in a small foundation planting is a common mistake. Let’s break down each variety so you can make a smart choice.

Meet the ‘Red Rocket’ Crape Myrtle

‘Red Rocket’ is known for its vigorous, upright growth habit. It’s often classified as a small tree or a large shrub. This variety is a true standout for its speed of growth and profuse blooming.

Key characteristics of the ‘Red Rocket’ include:

Mature Size: 15 to 25 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Very upright, almost columnar when young, maturing to a more vase-shaped form.
Bloom Color: A true, vibrant cherry red. The color is consistent and bright.
Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall, often one of the first to bloom.
Bark: Develops attractive, exfoliating cinnamon-brown bark as it ages.
Foliage: New growth emerges with a bronze-red tint, maturing to a deep green.

Meet the ‘Dynamite’ Crape Myrtle

The ‘Dynamite’ crape myrtle lives up to its name with explosive color. It’s famous for its rich, fire-engine red blooms that are incredibly eye-catching. This variety has a slightly different structure than ‘Red Rocket’.

Key characteristics of the ‘Dynamite’ include:

Mature Size: 15 to 20 feet tall and 12 to 15 feet wide.
Growth Habit: More rounded and spreading compared to the upright ‘Red Rocket’. It forms a broad, shrubby canopy.
Bloom Color: A deeper, true red that some describe as “neon” or “electric” red. It’s color is remarkably bold.
Bloom Time: Early summer through fall, with reliable repeat blooming if spent flowers are trimmed.
Bark: Also develops beautiful mottled, exfoliating bark in shades of gray and brown.
Foliage: Bright green foliage that turns to a brilliant orange-red in the autumn.

Side-by-Side Comparison Chart

This quick reference table highlights the core differences between these two vibrant summer-blooming landscape shrubs.

Feature	‘Red Rocket’	‘Dynamite’
Mature Height	15-25 ft	15-20 ft
Mature Width	10-15 ft	12-15 ft
Shape	Upright, Vase-shaped	Rounded, Spreading
Bloom Red Color	Vibrant Cherry Red	Deep Electric Red
Fall Foliage	Yellow to Orange	Bright Orange-Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast to Medium

Choosing Based on Your Garden’s Needs

Now that you know the specs, let’s apply them to real garden situations. The right choice depends on your space and design goals.

When to Choose ‘Red Rocket’

‘Red Rocket’ is ideal when you need vertical accent or a small tree form. Its upright habit makes it versatile for tighter spaces where width is a concern.

For Narrow Spaces: Plant it along a fence line or driveway where its columnar youthfull shape is an advantage.
As a Focal Point Tree: Use it as a specimen tree in a front or backyard where its height and summer blooms can be admired.
For Faster Screening: Its rapid growth can create a visual screen more quickly than many other shrubs.

When to Choose ‘Dynamite’

‘Dynamite’ is the pick for maximum color impact and a fuller, shrubby appearance. It’s a showstopper in the landscape.

For a Color Mass: Plant it in a border or as a grouping where its spreading form and electric red blooms will create a large block of color.
As a Large Shrub: Use it to anchor a corner of your house or garden bed where its rounded form provides solid structure.
For Superior Fall Interest: If autumn color is a priority, ‘Dynamite’s’ brilliant foliage is a major bonus.

Planting and Site Selection

Both varieties share the same basic needs for thriving. Getting the planting right from the start is the key to a healthy, blooming plant for years to come.

Sunlight is Non-Negotiable: Crape myrtles need full sun. That means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Less sun leads to weak growth, fewer blooms, and increased disease risk.

Soil Requirements: They prefer well-drained soil. They are adaptable to many soil types, from clay to sand, as long as water doesn’t pool around the roots. Slightly acidic soil is best but they are very tolerant.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide:

Dig the Hole: Make it two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper. The top of the root ball should be level with or slightly above the ground.
Loosen Roots: If the plant is pot-bound, gently tease the outer roots apart to encourage them to grow outward.
Place the Plant: Set it in the hole. Ensure it’s standing straight.
Backfill: Use the native soil you dug out to fill the hole. Avoid amending it heavily with compost, as this can discourage roots from expanding into the surrounding soil.
Water Deeply: Soak the area thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Mulch: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch (like pine bark) around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk.

Essential Care and Maintenance

Once established, crape myrtles are remarkably low-maintenance. Follow these simple tips to keep your’s healthy and blooming profusely.

Watering

Water deeply once or twice a week for the first growing season. This helps the root system establish. Once mature, they are quite drought-tolerant and may only need water during extended dry periods.

Fertilizing

In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers. A little fertilizer goes a long way.

Pruning: The Right Way

Pruning is where many gardeners go wrong. Severe topping (often called “crape murder”) is harmful. It ruins the natural shape and leads to weak, knobby growth.

Proper Pruning Steps (Late Winter/Early Spring):

Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
Thin out small, twiggy growth from the center to improve air flow.
Optionally, you can shorten long, arching branches by cutting back to a side branch or bud to shape the tree.
For a tree form, remove lower suckers and side branches up to about 4-5 feet from the ground.
Always make clean cuts and don’t leave stubs.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even tough plants can have issues. Here’s how to handle common crape myrtle challenges.

Powdery Mildew

This white, powdery fungus on leaves is common in humid areas with poor air circulation. Both ‘Red Rocket’ and ‘Dynamite’ have good resistance, but it can still occur.

Solution: Choose resistant varieties (like these), ensure full sun, and prune for good air circulation. Fungicidal sprays are available for severe cases.

Aphids

These tiny insects suck sap and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which leads to sooty mold.

Solution: A strong blast of water from a hose can dislodge them. Insecticidal soap or neem oil are effective organic treatments.

Lack of Blooms

If your crape myrtle isn’t flowering, check these causes:

Not enough sun.
Too much nitrogen fertilizer.
Pruning at the wrong time (pruning in late spring removes flower buds).
Overwatering or poor drainage.

Design Ideas for Your Landscape

These vibrant shrubs are incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to incorporate them into your garden design.

Specimen Planting: Let a single ‘Red Rocket’ or ‘Dynamite’ stand alone on a lawn as a focal point. Its summer flowers and fall interest will draw the eye.
Group Planting: Plant three ‘Dynamite’ crape myrtles in a staggered grouping for a massive impact of red color.
Privacy Screen: Use a row of ‘Red Rocket’ for a tall, blooming summer screen. Their upright form is perfect for this.
Mixed Border: Place one in the back of a perennial border. It provides height and structure, and its blooms coincide with many summer perennials.
Container Planting (When Young): While not a long-term solution, you can grow a young crape myrtle in a very large pot for a few years on a patio.

Final Recommendation

So, which vibrant summer-blooming landscape shrub is the winner? The answer depends entirely on you.

Choose ‘Red Rocket’ if you need a taller, more upright form for narrow spaces or a tree-like appearance. Its cherry red blooms are classic and reliable.

Choose ‘Dynamite’ if you want the most intense red color possible and a fuller, rounded shrub. Its spectacular fall foliage adds an extra season of interest that is hard to beat.

You really can’t go wrong with either. Both will provide months of stunning color with minimal fuss. Visit your local nursery in late spring to see them in person—the color difference is often clearer when you can compare them side-by-side.

FAQ Section

Which crape myrtle is more red, Red Rocket or Dynamite?

Most gardeners agree the ‘Dynamite’ crape myrtle has a deeper, more intense “electric” red bloom. ‘Red Rocket’ is a vibrant cherry red. Both are truely red, but ‘Dynamite’ often appears bolder.

How fast do Dynamite and Red Rocket crape myrtles grow?

Both are considered fast growers. ‘Red Rocket’ can grow 3-5 feet per year under ideal conditions. ‘Dynamite’ has a slightly slower, but still fast, growth rate of 2-4 feet per year once established.

Are these crape myrtles resistant to powdery mildew?

Yes, both varieties are known for their good resistance to powdery mildew, which is a common issue for some older crape myrtle cultivars. This makes them excellent low-maintenance choices.

Can I keep a Red Rocket or Dynamite crape myrtle small?

You can control their size with careful pruning, but it’s best to choose a variety that naturally fits your space. Trying to keep a 25-foot tree at 10 feet requires constant, heavy pruning that stresses the plant and reduces flowering. There are dwarf varieties better suited for small spaces.

What is the best fertilizer for Red Rocket and Dynamite crape myrtles?

A balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer (like an 8-8-8 or 10-10-10) applied in early spring is ideal. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can harm the plant and reduce its natural hardiness.

When should I plant these crape myrtle shrubs?

The best time to plant is in late fall or early spring. This allows the root system to establish before the heat of summer or the cold of winter. Container-grown plants can be planted in summer if you are committed to careful watering.

Choosing between these two outstanding plants is a great problem to have. By considering your space, desired shape, and preferred shade of red, you can select the perfect vibrant summer-blooming landscape shrub for your garden. With proper planting and basic care, you’ll enjoy its spectacular show for many summers to come.