James Burghardt
Family
Lythraceae
Botanical Name
LAGERSTROEMIA 'Tuskegee'
Plant Common Name
Hybrid Crapemyrtle, Tuskegee Crapemyrtle
General Description
A small, deciduous flowering tree, ‘Tuskegee’ blooms heavily with clusters of deep powdery-pink flowers in mid and late summer and adds more color in fall with orange-red leaves. It is most often multi-trunked and when in flower the branches arch downward under the weight of the large panicles, or flower clusters.
As for most crapemyrtles, plant ‘Tuskegee’ in well-drained average soil. Full sun is mandatory for best flowering and overall plant fullness and form. Once established, ‘Tuskegee’ is quite drought tolerant. Pruning the spent branch tips after the summer flowering often leads to a smaller, second flowering. Severely pruning the crowns of crapemyrtles, often called hat-racking, though a common practice is harmful and unhealthy for the plant.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
11 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 10
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
12'-15' / 3.7m - 4.6m
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Width
16'-20' / 4.9m - 6.1m
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Pollution, Drought, Soil Compaction
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Pink, Rose, Salmon
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Fruit Color
Green, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Orange Red
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Bark Color
Brown, Gray
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Bark Color Modifier
Multi-Color
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
Yes
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Feature Plant, Hedges, Mixed Border, Shade Trees, Street Trees
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
No