Tuscarora: Most Popular Crape Myrtle in Texas
The Tuscarora Crape Myrtle has over the last twenty-five years become the most common crepe myrtle in Texas. It reaches heights of twenty-five feet, is heat hardy and drought tolerant. It has a fine gray bark, that is the least exfoliant of the crepe myrtle barks. This crape myrtle is spectacular in groves and alleys. You can see the upward growth of the branches, the dark green leaves, and the abundance of blooms. This is a heavy bloomer which contributes to its popularity.

Tuscarora Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Tuscarora’) is a widely admired, vibrant summer-blooming ornamental tree known for its coral-pink to watermelon-red flowers, striking bark, and suitability for hot, dry climates.

The panicles (flower clusters) of the Tuscarora Crape Myrtle are one of its standout features and contribute significantly to its bold visual appeal.

Tuscarora Crape Myrtle – Panicle Size and Description

  • Size:
    The panicles typically range from 6 to 12 inches long, though in optimal growing conditions, they can reach up to 14 inches. This makes them large and showy, often cascading slightly due to their weight and density.

  • Density:
    The flower clusters are dense and upright, forming a conical or plume-like shape that holds well on the branches without drooping excessively.

  • Color and Texture:
    The vivid coral-pink to watermelon-red color is striking against the dark green foliage and smooth, mottled bark. Each individual bloom is crinkled, resembling crepe paper (hence the name), and collectively forms a lush, textured appearance.

  • Bloom Duration:
    These large panicles begin blooming in early to mid-summer and can continue for 8 to 12 weeks, often re-blooming lightly into early fall if spent flowers are deadheaded.

  • Landscape Impact:
    Due to their size and vibrant coloring, Tuscarora’s panicles are highly effective in large-scale landscapes, drawing attention from a distance and making it a favorite for urban and residential plantings alike.

The Tuscarora’s panicles are among the largest and most vivid in the crape myrtle family, combining size, color, and extended bloom time, making them a standout feature in drought-tolerant landscaping.

General Information

  • Type: Deciduous small tree or large shrub

  • Height/Spread: 20–25 feet tall, 15–20 feet wide

  • Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (June–September)

  • Flower Color: Bright coral-pink to reddish watermelon

  • Foliage: Glossy green leaves turn reddish-orange in fall

  • Bark: Smooth, mottled cinnamon-brown bark adds winter interest

  • Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

  • Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6–9

Tuscorora Crape Myrtle has the largest of all the panicles in an upright branching structure but weeping panicles and a neon orange color also called coral.

More images to come!!!  My goal this summer is to get lots and lots of Tuscarora Crapes.
There is no question but that Tuscarora is a scrumptious bloomer.

Coral Red Color:  Be sure you understand the color is a coral red.  In some instances and in some light I believe it approaches a neon.  Personally, I do not care for this color, so buyer beware.  This color works very, very well with brown and orange toned brick and clay tiled roofs.  Crapes are easy to move in the fall, even twenty foot ones.  But it is always best to plant the right plant!
Tuscorora Crape Myrtle has the largest of all the pannicles in an upright branching structure but weeping pannicles and a neon orange color.

Tuscarora Crape Myrtle 25 feet tall. Tuscorora Crape Myrtle has the largest of all the pannicles in an upright branching structure but weeping panicles and a neon orange color.

Tuscarora

 Link Here  Texas Top Ten Crapes

Tuscarora Crape Myrtles Most Popular Crape Myrtles in Texas

 

The Tuscarora Crape Myrtle is one of the top three “large” crape myrtles in Texas reaching over 25 feet in height. It has a slight coral cast – so if you are planting it with the most popular shrub roses, Knockout or Home Run, this is NOT the crape you want. If you are planting it with annuals and coral colored roses, this IS the crape you want!
Tuscarora Crape Myrtles. Tuscororas lend themselves to grove planting with their upright branching and hanging pannicles.

Tuscarora Crape Myrtles. Tuscororas lend themselves to grove planting with their upright branching and hanging pannicles.
 
See Crape Myrtle Overview and compare the multiple colors and sizes.  The color above, a little on the pink side for a Tuscarora does occur in some plants and with some lighting conditions but generally it is more coral.
The Tuscarora is a fast grower, quickly developing an rounded upright top.  It is not  a weeper though its panicles are amongst the largest of all crapes so they are heavy.
For the first three years the Tuscarora will have a slightly upward branching effect but as it matures the canopy will deepen. 
The Tuscarora’s shape lends itself to row and group plantings.
Tuscarora Crape Myrtle
It is easy to recognize the Tuscarora with its upright branching, non-arching growth and slight coral color to the red. It is favored for its long bloom period, over 110 days, and its heavy blooms.
 
The Tuscarora was meant to be planted in groups in my opinion – it is care free and never requires pruning unless you have a weak inner limb.
Tuscarora Crape Myrtles. Tuscororas lend themselves to grove planting with their upright branching and hanging pannicles.

Tuscarora Crape Myrtles. Tuscaroras lend themselves to grove planting with their upright branching and hanging panicles.
 
The Tuscarora Crape Myrtle is perfect for grove plantings but because they stand like sentinals and grow upright they do not work as well as the arching crapes for creating a crape myrtle alley.
 Tuscarora Crape Myrtle Coral Color
It is not always easy to get the color exactly right. The image above comes closest to capturing the color of the Tuscarora Crape Myrtle.
 
Tuscarora Crape Myrtles. I was beyond sad to see that these beautiful natural crape myrtles had been topped off this past season. Why? So some landscaping company could bill and additional fifty dollars I suspect.

Tuscarora Crape Myrtles. I was beyond sad to see that these beautiful natural crape myrtles had been topped off this past season. Why? So some landscaping company could bill and additional fifty dollars I suspect.Tuscarora Crape Myrtles. The largest pannicles in the crape myrtle world. These crapes blend beautifully with the red tile roof here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuscarora Crape Myrtles.

The largest panicles in the crape myrtle world. These crapes blend beautifully with the red tile roof here. Tuscaroras lend themselves to grove planting.
 Tuscaroras on a happy sunny day!  

Drought Tolerance and Suitability for Dry Climates

  • Drought-Tolerant: Once established, Tuscarora is very tolerant of dry conditions and heat.

  • Low Water Needs: Performs well in Texas and similar arid or semi-arid climates.

  • Soil Adaptability: Tolerates a range of soil types, including poor or clay soils, as long as they are well-drained.

  • Heat Performance: Especially well-suited to full sun and high heat exposure.

Disease & Pest Resistance

  • Mildew Resistance: Tuscarora is one of the more mildew-resistant cultivars, which is especially valuable in humid or irrigated settings.

  • Pest Issues: Rarely affected by pests if planted in full sun with proper airflow.

Texas A&M Recognition

  • Texas A&M Earth-Kind® Plant: Yes
    Tuscarora is recommended by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension as an Earth-Kind® Crape Myrtle, meaning it meets high standards for drought resistance, low maintenance, and pest/disease tolerance in Texas climates.

Other Awards or Distinctions

  • National Arboretum Hybrid: Tuscarora is part of the U.S. National Arboretum’s hybrid crape myrtle series developed for improved resistance and beauty.

  • Urban-Friendly: Frequently used in urban landscaping, public medians, and residential yards across the southern U.S. due to low maintenance and long bloom time.

Best Use in Landscape

  • Accent Tree: Excellent specimen tree in front yards or patios.

  • Hedgerow/Privacy Screen: Can be grouped for informal privacy hedges.

  • Urban Plantings: Ideal for street medians, parking lot borders, and drought-prone zones.

Care Tips

  • Full Sun Only: Best flowering and disease resistance in full sun (minimum 6–8 hours/day).

  • Prune Lightly: Avoid “crape murder” (severe pruning); instead, prune only to shape or remove dead wood.

  • Water Needs: Minimal after establishment—only water during extended droughts.

Summary:
Tuscarora Crape Myrtle is a top-performing ornamental tree for hot, dry climates, recognized by Texas A&M for its drought resilience and disease resistance. Its long bloom time, low water needs, and attractive bark make it a landscape favorite throughout Texas and the southern U.S..

 

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