‘Tuscararo’ is a deciduous, upright, spreading, multi-stemmed shrub with arching branches. Features dark green foliage turning reddish orange in fall, mottled tan bark which exfoliates with age, and terminal, crepe-papery, 6-12″ long inflorescences (panicles) of dark coral pink flowers from mid-summer to early fall. Flowers give way to round seed capsules which often persist well into winter. In the South, this cultivar is more tree-like and can be grown as a single trunk tree or large woody shrub with a maximum size of 16-20′ tall and as wide.
Best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Does well in loamy, clay soils with good drainage. Benefits from a slow release fertilizer. Overly fertile soils tend to produce lush foliage growth at the expense of flowering with somewhat increased susceptibility to winter injury, however. Water roots deeply, particularly in dry spells, but avoid wetting the foliage. Plant in a protected location and apply a good winter mulch.
| Common Name | 'Tuscarora' Crape Myrtle |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lagerstroemia indica 'Tuscarora' |
| Container/Amount | 25 gallon |
| Evergreen or Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Hardiness Zone | 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b |
| Growth Rate | Average |
| Light Requirements | Sun |
| Height | 2 to 16' |
| Width | 2 to 16' |
| Soil Condition | Well-drained |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Blooming Period | late summer/early fall |
| Flower Color | dark coral |
| Fragrance | No |
| Foliage Color | dark green |
| Deer Resistant | Yes |
| Fall Color | reddish orange |
