The Tuscarora Crape Myrtle is not a native species but rather a hybrid developed from breeding between Lagerstroemia indica (common crape myrtle, native to Southeast Asia, including India, China, and the Philippines) and Lagerstroemia fauriei (Japanese crape myrtle, native to Japan). Therefore, it doesn’t have a “native area” in the traditional sense but is cultivated widely in temperate to subtropical climates where these parent species thrive, particularly in the United States.
The Tuscarora Crape Myrtle was developed by the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C., as part of their ongoing work to improve crape myrtles for American landscapes. Introduced in the late 1970s, this cultivar was named after the Tuscarora, one of the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, reflecting a tradition of naming new cultivars after Native American tribes.
Since its introduction, ‘Tuscarora’ has become one of the most popular crape myrtle varieties due to its hardiness, disease resistance, particularly against powdery mildew, and its vibrant floral display. Its adaptability to various environments has made it a favorite in both public and private landscapes across the southern United States and similar climate zones globally.
Characteristics
- Appearance: Tuscarora Crape Myrtle is known for its stunning, dark coral-pink flowers that bloom in large panicles from mid-summer to early fall, providing a long season of color. The tree has a vase-shaped growth habit, which becomes more pronounced as it matures, offering a graceful silhouette in the landscape.
- Size: This variety can grow to heights of 20 to 25 feet with a similar spread, making it suitable as both a small tree or large shrub, depending on pruning practices. Its size makes it a choice for both individual specimen planting and as part of larger landscape designs.
- Foliage: The leaves are dark green during the growing season, transitioning to vibrant shades of orange and red in the fall, adding to its ornamental value. The foliage is deciduous, meaning it sheds its leaves in winter.
- Bark: One of the ornamental features of ‘Tuscarora’ is its bark, which exfoliates to reveal patches of smooth, lighter bark beneath, offering winter interest when the tree is not in bloom.
- Growth Rate: It has a moderate growth rate, allowing it to reach its mature size within a reasonable timeframe for landscaping projects, but not so fast that it becomes unmanageable.
- Lifespan: With proper care, crape myrtles like ‘Tuscarora’ can live for decades, often outliving many other ornamental trees due to their hardiness and resistance to common diseases.
- Reproduction: The tree produces small, brown, capsule-like fruits which contain seeds. However, it’s more commonly propagated through cuttings or grafting to ensure the preservation of its desirable traits.
- Disease Resistance: A significant characteristic of ‘Tuscarora’ is its resistance to powdery mildew, a common issue with many crape myrtle varieties. This resistance makes it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.
USDA Zones
The Tuscarora Crape Myrtle is well-suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 6b through 9b. This range reflects its adaptability to both the warmer climates where it can thrive with minimal cold protection and the more temperate zones where it might require some winter care. In the colder part of this range (Zone 6b), mulching around the base or providing some form of wind protection can help protect it from harsh winter conditions. In Zones 7 and above, it’s generally more forgiving, blooming reliably each year.
Cultivation
- Site Selection: ‘Tuscarora’ thrives in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to produce the best flower display. It prefers well-drained soil but can adapt to various soil types if drainage is adequate. Avoid waterlogged sites to prevent root rot. Its eventual size means you’ll need to plan for space or consider regular pruning to manage its growth.
- Soil and Planting: This crape myrtle isn’t particularly fussy about soil pH but does best in slightly acidic to neutral soils. When planting, ensure the root ball is at or slightly above ground level to prevent water accumulation around the roots. Incorporating organic matter can help with soil structure and fertility.
- Watering: Regular watering is crucial for young trees to establish a strong root system, especially during dry spells. Once established, ‘Tuscarora’ is relatively drought-resistant but benefits from supplemental watering during prolonged droughts to maintain vibrant bloom and foliage health.
- Pruning: Pruning is often done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This helps shape the tree, remove dead or crossing branches, and can encourage more flowering. However, avoid the severe “crape murder” pruning that can lead to unsightly regrowth and stress the tree. Instead, aim for selective pruning.
- Growth Rate: With a moderate growth rate, ‘Tuscarora’ can be managed for size or allowed to reach its full potential, depending on the landscape’s needs.
- Pest and Disease: While resistant to powdery mildew, keep an eye out for aphids, scale, and occasionally leaf spot. Good air circulation and not overwatering can mitigate these issues.
Landscape Uses
- Specimen Plant: With its vibrant flowers, attractive fall foliage, and interesting bark, ‘Tuscarora’ makes an excellent focal point in any garden or park, especially when placed where its colorful blooms can be showcased.
- Street and Urban Trees: Its size and form are perfect for lining streets or as part of urban landscapes, providing both beauty and shade without the extensive root problems some trees have. However, ensure there’s enough space for its mature spread.
- Screening and Privacy: Planted in groups or as a hedge, ‘Tuscarora’ can serve as a colorful, deciduous screen, offering privacy while adding to the garden’s aesthetic appeal.
- Patio or Small Garden Trees: In smaller settings, ‘Tuscarora’ can be pruned to maintain a smaller size, making it suitable for patios or compact garden spaces where its blooms and fall colors can be enjoyed up close.
- Seasonal Interest: This tree provides year-round interest with its summer blooms, autumn foliage color, and bark texture in winter, making it a multi-seasonal asset in landscape design.
- Pollinator Gardens: The flowers attract butterflies and bees, supporting local pollinators, which is increasingly important in urban environments.