Thunderstruck™ Rumblin Red™ Crape Myrtle

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

12-15 Feet

Mature Spread

8-10 Feet

Growing Zones

7 to 10

The Thunderstruck Rumblin' Red Crape Myrtle brings months of bold, ruby-red flower clusters over glossy, near-black foliage on a fast-growing, small ornamental tree. It matures to a useful, landscape-friendly size and shrugs off heat once established, making color easy in tough summers.

Expect a high-impact show from summer into fall, followed by rich seasonal color and handsome structure through winter. Its upright habit suits front-yard focal points, borders, and driveways without overpowering the space.

Thunderstruck Rumblin' Red Crape Myrtle Care

Give full sun, at least 6–8 hours daily, to maximize blooms and foliage color. Plant in well-drained soil; slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal, and a 2–3 inch mulch ring helps conserve moisture while keeping mulch a few inches off the trunk. Water deeply the first season, then water when the top 1–2 inches are dry; this selection is drought tolerant once established. Feed in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer; a light early-fall feeding can be beneficial in warm climates.

Prune in late winter while dormant to remove dead or crossing wood and to shape—avoid topping. Hardy in Zones 6–9; in colder Zone 6 microclimates, choose a warm, wind-sheltered site. In large containers, use a high-drainage potting mix and protect the root zone from deep freezes.

Thunderstruck Rumblin' Red Crape Myrtle Spacing

Mature size is about 12–15 ft tall by 8–12 ft wide. For a specimen, allow a 12–15 ft diameter space and keep 6–8 ft from walls, paths, and driveways for dripline clearance. For a hedge or screen, plant 6–8 ft on center for a fuller wall of color, or 9–12 ft for an airier row. For containers, start with an 18–24 in wide, 16+ in deep pot with drainage; position in full sun and rotate the container a few times each season for even growth. Stake only in very windy sites; otherwise let the naturally upright framework develop.

Why Grow Thunderstruck Rumblin' Red Crape Myrtle?

• Long bloom season with masses of ruby-red flowers from summer into fall.

• Near-black, ruffled foliage delivers dramatic contrast and standout curb appeal.

• Fast growth and heat/drought tolerance once established mean low-fuss performance.

• Landscape-friendly size (about 12–15 ft H × 8–12 ft W) fits front yards, borders, and entries.

Bring home a dependable, high-impact color maker that thrives in summer heat and keeps the show going for months. Thunderstruck Rumblin' Red turns everyday spaces into head-turning highlights with very little work.