Tuscarora Crape Myrtle: Unveiling the All-Season Splendor of Lagerstroemia indica ‘Tuscarora’
Lagerstroemia indica ‘Tuscarora’, commonly known as Tuscarora Crape Myrtle, is a stunning deciduous tree that is highly valued for its vibrant summer flowers, attractive fall foliage, and distinctive bark. This cultivar is a hybrid between Lagerstroemia indica and Lagerstroemia fauriei, bred to combine the best traits of both species. Developed by the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C., ‘Tuscarora’ is named after the Tuscarora Native American tribe, reflecting the tradition of naming mildew-resistant crape myrtles after Native American tribes.
Plant Family
Lagerstroemia indica belongs to the Lythraceae family, which includes a variety of flowering plants known for their showy flowers and attractive foliage.
Description
‘Tuscarora’ is an upright, spreading, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree that typically grows to a height of 15-25 feet with a similar spread. It has a moderate growth rate and forms a broad, rounded canopy with stiff, upright branching. The foliage consists of dark green, oval-shaped leaves that turn a striking reddish-orange in the fall. The most notable feature of ‘Tuscarora’ is its profuse display of dark coral-pink flowers that appear in large, crepe-like inflorescences from mid-summer to early fall.
The bark of ‘Tuscarora’ is another attractive feature. It exfoliates with age, peeling away to reveal a smooth, light cinnamon-brown trunk with red-brown streaks. This provides year-round interest, even in the winter months when the tree is bare.
Care Instructions for Lagerstroemia indica ‘Tuscarora’:
Lagerstroemia indica ‘Tuscarora’ is relatively easy to care for and adaptable to various growing conditions. Here are the key care instructions:
- Light: Thrives in full sun. Ensure it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to promote abundant flowering.
- Soil: Prefers average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including loamy, clay, and sandy soils, as long as there is good drainage.
- Watering: Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering. Water deeply during dry spells, but avoid wetting the foliage to prevent disease.
- Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid overly fertile soils, which can promote lush foliage at the expense of flowers and increase susceptibility to winter injury.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter to early spring to encourage new growth and enhance flowering—thin young trees to leave 3 to 7 main trunks or canopy branches. Remove suckers from the base of older trees to maintain shape.
- Mulching: Apply winter mulch in colder regions to protect the roots and help retain moisture.
Propagation
Lagerstroemia indica ‘Tuscarora’ can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or division. However, cuttings are the most common and reliable method for maintaining the characteristics of the cultivar:
- Cuttings: Take softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer. Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the cuttings in a warm, humid environment until roots develop.
- Seeds: Collect seeds from mature seed capsules in the fall. Sow them in a well-draining seed-starting mix and keep them in a warm, bright location. Germination can be slow and inconsistent.
- Division: In late winter or early spring, divide established clumps by carefully digging up the plant and separating the root ball into smaller sections. Replant the divisions immediately.
Additional Notes
- Pests and Diseases: ‘Tuscarora’ is resistant to powdery mildew and has good overall disease resistance. However, it can be susceptible to fungal leaf spot, aphids, and scale. Ensure proper spacing and air circulation to prevent disease.
- Winter Hardiness: In colder regions (USDA Zones 6 and below), the above-ground branches may die back in winter. In such cases, treat the plant similarly to buddleias by cutting all stems back to about 8 inches in early spring. New stems will grow and flower on the current season’s growth.
- Uses: ‘Tuscarora’ is an excellent choice for use as a specimen shrub or in groups. It is also effective as a tall screen, informal hedge, or street tree in warmer climates. Its vibrant flowers and attractive bark make it a standout feature in any landscape.
In conclusion, Lagerstroemia indica ‘Tuscarora’ is a beautiful, resilient, and versatile addition to any garden or landscape. Its stunning flowers, vibrant fall foliage, and year-round bark interest make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add color and texture to their outdoor spaces.
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