Tuscarora Crape Myrtle

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

15-20 Feet

Mature Spread

10-20 Feet

Growing Zones

6 to 9

Tuscarora Crape Myrtle turns up the color with saturated coral-pink flower clusters that keep coming from midsummer into fall. The upright, small-tree form shows off smooth, peeling bark and healthy, mildew-resistant foliage for interest well past bloom time.

Tough in heat and humidity, this landscape classic handles city conditions and lean soils once established. Use it to frame an entry, anchor a sunny bed, or line a driveway with four-season character and effortless curb appeal.

Tuscarora Crape Myrtle Care

Give full sun, 6–8+ hours daily, for the strongest flowering and darkest foliage. Plant in well-drained soil; slightly acidic to neutral pH (about 5.5–7.0) is ideal, and amend heavy clay to improve drainage. Water deeply the first growing season, then water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; once established, it becomes moderately drought tolerant. Feed in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer (or a rose/flowering shrub formula), and refresh a 2–3 inch mulch ring yearly, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk.

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

Tuscarora Crape Myrtle Spacing

Mature size is typically 15–25 ft tall by 12–20 ft wide with an upright, vase-shaped canopy. For a specimen, allow a 14–18 ft diameter space and keep 8–10 ft from walls, eaves, and paths for canopy and maintenance clearance. For a flowering screen or tree-lined walkway, plant 8–10 ft on center for a fuller wall of color, or 12–14 ft for an airier look.

Along drives or sidewalks, set trunks at least 6–8 ft back from hardscape. For containers, start with a 20–24 in wide, 16+ in deep pot with drainage; place in full sun and rotate a few times per season for even growth. Stake only in very windy sites; otherwise let the naturally sturdy framework develop.

Why Grow Tuscarora Crape Myrtle?

• Months of vivid coral-pink blooms from summer into fall

• Exfoliating, cinnamon-toned bark and orange-red fall color for four-season appeal

• Heat, humidity, and powdery-mildew resistance for reliable performance

• Low care needs once established; great for streetsides, entries, and sunny borders

• Deer resistant in most regions and adaptable to a range of well-drained soils

Ready to add a standout small tree that thrives in hot summers and looks good year-round? Plant Tuscarora Crape Myrtle for big color, graceful structure, and fuss-free impact.