Crepe Myrtle Tuscarora
Crepe Myrtle Tuscarora Pink Flower 45L
Crepe Myrtle Tuscarora Pink Flower

Crepe Myrtle Tuscarora

Lagerstroemia indica fauriei Tuscarora

Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Tuscarora’, commonly known as the Tuscarora Crepe Myrtle, is a hybrid variety of crape myrtle that combines the hardiness of Lagerstroemia fauriei with the vibrant flower display of Lagerstroemia indica. This variety is highly prized for its beautiful, vibrant pink flowers, attractive bark, and tolerant nature, making it a popular choice in landscaping.

Key Features of Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Tuscarora’:

Size and Growth

  • Height: The ‘Tuscarora’ typically grows to around 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters) tall when mature.
  • Width: The plant spreads to about 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 meters) wide, forming a dense, rounded canopy.
  • Growth Habit: It has an upright, branching form that creates a bushy shape, with a moderately fast growth rate, especially when young.

Appearance

  • Flowers: The most striking feature of the ‘Tuscarora’ crape myrtle is its vibrant pink to salmon-colored flowers that appear in summer, usually from late spring to early autumn. The flowers are panicles (clusters) that provide a showy display and are highly attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
  • Foliage: The leaves are dark green in the summer, turning yellow, red, or orange in the fall, adding another layer of visual interest.
  • Bark: Like other crape myrtles, the bark of the Tuscarora cultivar is smooth and exfoliates, revealing shades of gray, brown, and cinnamon, which adds winter interest and texture to the plant.

Growing Conditions

  • Climate: ‘Tuscarora’ crape myrtle thrives in warm climates. It is more cold-hardy than many other crape myrtle varieties due to the influence of Lagerstroemia fauriei. However, it may not do well in areas with harsh winters or late frosts.
  • Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and slightly alkaline soils. However, it should not be planted in heavy clay or waterlogged soil.
  • Light: This cultivar grows best in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to encourage abundant flowering. It can tolerate some partial shade, but too much shade will reduce its flowering and overall growth.

Uses

  • Ornamental: Tuscarora crape myrtle is widely used for landscaping due to its year-round appeal. It is perfect for adding vibrant color to gardens, parks, and public spaces.
  • Specimen Tree: With its attractive flowers, bark, and fall color, it makes an excellent specimen tree or focal point in a garden.
  • Hedges or Borders: It can also be planted in rows to create low hedges or flowering borders.
  • Street Trees: Due to its moderate size and ornamental appeal, it is often used in urban environments as a street tree.

Care and Maintenance

  • Watering: Water the plant deeply, especially during the establishment period. Once established, ‘Tuscarora’ is moderately drought-tolerant, but it will flower best with consistent moisture during the growing season.
  • Pruning: Pruning should be done in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. Crepe myrtles benefit from light pruning to remove dead wood and shape the plant. Over-pruning (commonly called “crape murder”) should be avoided, as it reduces the natural beauty and flowering of the plant.
  • Fertilizing: Crape myrtles generally do not require a lot of fertilizer. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring can support growth and flower production. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
  • Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and keep the root zone cool, but avoid piling mulch against the trunk.

Pests and Diseases

  • Pests: While crape myrtles are generally resistant to pests, they can sometimes be affected by aphids, scale, or mealybugs, particularly during the warmer months. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
  • Diseases: ‘Tuscarora’ is more resistant to common crape myrtle diseases, such as powdery mildew and sooty mold, than other varieties due to its Lagerstroemia fauriei heritage. However, it is still important to ensure good airflow around the plant to prevent fungal issues.
  • Crape Myrtle Bark Scale: This invasive pest can occasionally affect crape myrtles. Regular inspection and prompt treatment can help keep the plant healthy.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Vibrant flower display in summer, attracting pollinators.
  • Exfoliating bark adds winter interest and texture.
  • Moderately cold-hardy, making it suitable for a broader range of climates compared to other crape myrtles.
  • Low-maintenance once established, requiring minimal pruning and care.

Cons:

  • Sensitive to late frost, which may damage early blooms if planted in areas prone to late-season freezes.
  • Can be prone to pests such as aphids and scale, though this can usually be managed with treatment.

In Summary

Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Tuscarora’ is a beautiful, compact hybrid crape myrtle with a stunning display of pink flowers, exfoliating bark, and attractive fall foliage. It’s a great choice for adding vibrant color to your landscape with relatively low maintenance. Whether used as a specimen tree, hedge, or street tree, this crape myrtle is an excellent ornamental plant that thrives in sunny locations and well-drained soils. With its improved cold tolerance and resistance to many common diseases, it’s a reliable and showy addition to gardens and urban landscapes.

$28.25 – $242.25 inc. GST

In stock

Height: 1 - 2.2m
SKU: LagifTus Categories: , , , , , , ,

There is No Limit to how many plants you buy:

Melbourne Metro deliveries cost $49.50.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 1 and 5 business days.

The Mornington Peninsula ** Mt Eliza to Portsea ** and Geelong deliveries cost $69.50.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 1 and 5 business days.

Outer Melbourne deliveries cost $143.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 1 and 7 business days.

Regional Victoria deliveries cost between $143.00 – $264.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 3 and 7 business days.

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