Crape Myrtle Tuskegee

Lagerstroemia (indica x fauriei) ‘Tuskegee’

Tuskegee is the fourth mildew resistant indica x fauriei hybrid released by the United States Department of Agriculture National Arboretum in 1986. An Indian Series member, Tuskegee thrives under diverse cultural conditions and has an expanded geographical range. It is one of the few cultivars suited for the heat of South Florida (zone 10) and also proven to withstand temperatures as low as -23° C with no damage.

Grown as a multi-trunk, Tuskegee becomes a broad spreading small tree capable of reaching a mature size of 20’ height x 20’ spread. The distinct broad spreading branches that bend in and out create a unique characteristic to the tree’s overall presentation. The trunk is uniquely characterized by its handsome fluted grooves. The foliage is red tinged when young, turning dark green in summer and then to orange red in autumn. Flower color is dark pink to near red with panicles ranging from 6 to 9” long x 5 to 7” wide. The cultivar’s flamboyant flowering display lasts for about 100 days in most years.

Grown as a single trunk, the Tuskegee will have the largest trunk caliper size of all the USDA National Arboretum selections.

Ornamental Characteristics:

Development:
Introduced in 1986 by United States National Arboretum, division of the United States Department of Agriculture.

Common Names:
Tuskegee

Description:
Hardy Range: 7A to 10A
Mature Height: 10’ to 20’
Mature Spread: 10’ to 20’
Growth Rate: 15 to 20 years to maturity
Form: rounded and spreading or horizontal; tree form or multi-trunk
Persistence: deciduous

Ornamental Characteristics:
The flowers are dark pink to near red and are very showy, lasting spring through fall. Foliage is green, turning to an attractive orange and red in fall. The fruit is dry, oval, round, persistent, attractive and brown in color.

Environment:
Soil: moist, well-drained; slightly acidic; alkaline
Salt: medium
Exposure: full sun