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Red Crape Myrtle Shrub

Lagerstroemia indica 'Rubra'

Regular price $2995
  • Out of stock
  • Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™
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Plant Sentry™

Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.

This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.

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Delivery and Shipping

Shipping

To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.

 

Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.

*If you have found your zone already, it will be highlighted in the table below.

Standard Shipping Rates

At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.

From To S&H
$0 $19.99 $24.99
$20 $49.99 $29.99
$50 $69.99 $34.99
$70 $99.99 $39.99
$100 $129.99 $44.99
$130 $149.99 $48.99
$150 $150+ Approx 28%

Click here to see our full rates

Plant Highlights

Red Crape Myrtle Shrub highlights at a glance!

Specifications

  • Brand
    Nature Hills' Choice
  • Botanical Name
    Lagerstroemia indica 'Rubra'
  • Growing Zones
    6-10
  • Mature Height
    8 - 16 feet
  • Mature Spread
    6 - 8 feet
  • Sun Exposure
    Full Sun
  • Moisture
    Moderate
  • Soil
    Well-Drained
  • Growth Rate
    Fast
  • Flower Color
    Red
  • Fall Color
    Yellow, Red, Orange
  • Pollinator Friendly
    Yes
  • Pruning Time
    Early Spring
  • Bloom Period
    Summer, Fall

Splash out with a colorful addition to your summer landscape. The Red Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica 'Rubra') is a widely adapted deciduous plant that provides brilliant color in your yard. Red Crape Myrtles will dazzle you with their amazing structure and clusters of crimson-red flowers that appear as fiery plumes at the tips of their branches all summer long from July to September.

The blooms attract pollinators galore and even a few Hummingbirds! These large shrubs are actually sometimes referred to as Crepe Myrtles because the texture of the robust flower heads looks like crinkled crepe paper!

In the springtime, Red Myrtles leaf out with small glossy green leaves that then transition into a verdant green that endures throughout the summer months. However, as the vivid red blossoms set, the foliage is lost under the beautiful heavy display of red blooms!

When fall arrives, its leaves transform into brilliant reds yellows, and shades of orange for a gorgeous display. Finally, after the leaves drop, the trunk's clean, sturdy appearance visually carries these through the winter. Smooth, tan-gray bark really adds to the year-round appeal of the Red Crape Myrtle.

Crape Myrtles are known for a wide range of colors and sizes. But did you know that the Red Crape Myrtles are by far the most popular? People across the country in Zones 6 - 10 just love the bright blooms of this variety!

Planting and Application:

You'll also be able to grow it as a single-trunk patio tree or as a multi-trunk accent feature specimen. You can even leave the lower branches on to encourage a solid, shrubby screen. It will look great any way you care to use it. Red Crape Myrtles can be pruned to any size, so they work in any lot size in almost any location.

Really, it's impossible to go wrong with this variety. Use one as a standout for a prime focal point in the yard. Or, plant several as privacy hedges, or massed together along the fence as an amazing background splash of color.

Plant in groupings of 3, 5, or 7 shrubs in a curved bed to create a marvelous privacy screen for your deck or patio. You'll love the way it lavishly brightens up your events and backyard barbeques! Growing into naturally rounded forms, or pruned smaller as needed - these are highly versatile!

Red Crape Myrtles are approved by many cities and municipalities for parking lots and planting strips, where they adapt to the harshness of the city environments. This means it will work for you in your yard!

The low maintenance makes them an ideal choice for a container plant. Simply plant in a large decorative container with plenty of drainage holes. Use a standard potting mix and water regularly to enjoy the beauty of the Red Crape Myrtle. Place the containers strategically to block the afternoon sun and shield your party from neighbors or unsightly views. Easy-peasy high style!

The wonderful red blooms would contrast deliciously against an indigo-blue glazed ceramic container. Try crisp white Chippendale-style or cast iron containers as a perfect foil to allow the shrub to take center stage. Or try a sophisticated tonal combination of natural terra cotta with this variety. Northern growers can grow these as annual accents or seasonal container plants and overwinter them in protected, unheated garages or sheds.

  • Vivid Red Crepe Papery Blooms
  • Bright Green Foliage & Upright Arching Growth
  • Hummingbird & Pollinator Friendly
  • Decorative Trunk/Bark For Winter Interest
  • Incredible Specimen or Focal Point, Hedge & Great in Large Containers

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Red Crape Myrtles tolerate a wide range of soils, from heavy clay to loam, as long as the drainage is good. It's critical to choose a location with well-drained soil, or you'll need to plan to amend with soil conditioners. Plant them in full sun with at least 8 hours of direct sunlight. Always select a planting location that favors early morning sun, as this will help to quickly dry the leaves off from any overnight dew.

Provide regular moisture for new plants, but once established Red Crape Myrtle is a top choice where responsible water use is a concern, as it will become drought tolerant once it's established in your yard. You'll see these quite often in drier climates as medium strip hedges because of their moderate height and low maintenance needs. Top the soil with a 3-4 inch thick layer of mulch to provide shade to the root systems. You'll cut down on soil moisture evaporation and extend the periods between watering.

Blooming on new wood, prune to shape in early spring to remove crossing branches and control size. Remove the oldest wood at ground level periodically when renewal pruning every 3-5 years. Deadhead any spent flower clusters as they fade to encourage more blooms during the active growing season. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in the mid-summer. We recommend Dr. Earth Organic and Natural Premium Fertilizer.

  • Full Sun For The Most Blooms
  • Widely Adaptable To Any Well-Drained Soil
  • Drought Tolerant Once Established
  • Prune Early Spring
  • Deer Don't Prefer the Taste

The Red Crape Myrtle has something to offer whatever the season, and it will certainly offer you enjoyment for years to come. Order yours today at Nature Hills Nursery.

Single Stem, Multi Stem, Shrub Form, Oh My!

Before you buy, make sure you know what you’re getting! Single stem, multi stem and shrub forms are different so read a bit about which we’re currently offering below.

Single Stem:

These are plants that have one stem coming from the ground. Plants can also be considered single stem when lower branches are removed to raise the height of the branching. Sometimes, you will hear a single stem referred to as Tree Form.

Multi Stem:

These are plants with 2 or more stems planted together in the ground in close proximity to form a clump. There are times multi stems are formed by a tree that branches at the soil line with more than one main stem.

Shrub Form:

These are bushy plants with many stems and branchings close to the ground. They are referred to as shrubs or bushes and are often shorter than their tree forms.

Customer Reviews

Based on 32 reviews
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F
Franklin
Healthy plants. Growing beautiful

Healthy plants. Growing beautiful

Dear Franklin,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that your plants are healthy and growing beautifully—that’s truly the best outcome we could hope for. If you ever need tips on continued care or have any questions about expanding your garden, please know we’re here to assist.

Keep nurturing those green beauties, and we look forward to supporting you on your gardening journey!

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

F
Franklin
Healthy plants. Growing beautiful

Healthy plants. Growing beautiful

Hi Franklin,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that your plants are healthy and growing beautifully. It’s always rewarding to know our plants are thriving in their new homes.

If you ever have any questions about care, troubleshooting, or want tips to keep those plants flourishing, don’t hesitate to reach out. We also have a rich resource library on our website filled with guides that might inspire your green thumb even more.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

C
Carol
Big Right Out of the Box

This is already a sizable plant when you receive it. It produces flowers the first season. Looking forward to enjoying it for many years to come.

Dear Carol J.,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience! We’re thrilled to hear that your plant arrived generous in size and that it has already bloomed during its first season. It’s always rewarding to know our plants start off strong and bring joy so quickly.

To help your plant thrive for many years to come, be sure to review the care instructions specific to its variety on our website or reach out if you ever have questions about watering, sunlight, or pruning. We are always happy to provide personalized tips tailored to your garden’s unique conditions!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

C
Christopher
Hardy crapes

Do your research, know your USDA hardiness zone. There are outstanding crape myrtles that will thrive.

Hello Christopher,

Thank you so much for sharing your valuable insight about USDA hardiness zones and their importance in selecting crape myrtles! We completely agree that doing thorough research beforehand is key to finding outstanding varieties that flourish in your specific climate zone. Fortunately, we offer plenty of helpful resources on our site—including detailed hardiness zone guides and recommendations tailored to help gardeners like you pick the best plants for lasting success.

If you ever want personalized advice on which crape myrtle varieties thrive in your area or tips on planting and care, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your thoughtful feedback helps us support our gardening community better every day.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

C
Christopher
Hardy crapes

Do your research, know your USDA hardiness zone. There are outstanding crape myrtles that will thrive.

Hello Christopher,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful insight about selecting hardy crape myrtles tailored to USDA hardiness zones. We completely agree that understanding your zone is key to ensuring these beautiful plants not only survive but truly thrive. It’s wonderful to hear from knowledgeable customers like you who emphasize the importance of careful plant selection.

If you ever want to explore more about the best crape myrtles for your zone, our website also offers detailed hardiness guides and care tips to support success in every garden. Feel free to reach out with any questions—we’re always here to help you find the perfect match for your space.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team