Lagerstroemia Indica 'Tuscarora'

Crepe Myrtle ‘Tuscarora’

Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia indica 'Tuscarora'
Family: Lythraceae
Origin: East Asia
Plant Type: Deciduous tree

Overview

A premium coral-pink to hot-pink flowering crepe myrtle with months of colour, glowing autumn foliage and smooth, exfoliating bark. ‘Tuscarora’ thrives in South Australian conditions—heat-tough, mildew-resistant and low-maintenance once established—ideal for statement features, avenues and large pots.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 4-6 m H x 3-4 m W (upright, vase-shaped canopy; typically smaller than ‘Natchez’)
• Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Glossy green; orange-red/burgundy in autumn
• Flowers: Large panicles of deep coral-pink blooms in summer, often into early autumn
  
• Seasonal Interest: Spring flush of fresh green growth → months of coral-pink summer bloom → fiery autumn foliage → exfoliating cinnamon-toned bark that shines through winter
• Wildlife Value: Nectar-rich flowers support bees and butterflies
• Tolerance: Heat-Tolerant, Drought-Tolerant (once established), Frost Hardy (light–moderate), Wind-Tolerant (shelter while young), Coastal-Tolerant (light salt/sea breeze), Clay-Tolerant (well-drained clay loams; avoid waterlogging); bred for powdery-mildew resistance
• Planting Density: Specimen/avenue: 4–5 m apart (≈1 tree per 16–25 m²) for canopies to touch/overlap gracefully; Informal hedge/row: 1.5–2.0 m apart for a continuous summer display
• Pet Friendly: Generally regarded non-toxic to pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hrs) is essential for best flowering and compact habit
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or clay loam; avoid waterlogging
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8-12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10-14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry.
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; light shape prune in late winter (flowers form on new growth); deadhead to tidy; balanced feed early spring
• Lifespan: 25-50 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral; tolerates mildly alkaline if drainage is good

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Feature tree near lawns, courtyards and driveways where coral-pink bloom and patterned bark shine
• Avenues/streetscapes: Upright vase habit and strong limbs suit 4–5 m rhythmic spacing
• Large pots for entrances and terraces; pair with silver foliage or ornamental grasses for a water-wise, modern look

Why You Will Love It

‘Tuscarora’ brings show-stopping coral-pink summer colour, fiery autumn tones and decorative bark in winter—so your garden looks curated year-round. Tough, sun-loving and mildew-resistant, it’s a dependable, high-impact choice for South Australian landscapes.