A Fauriei hybrid Crape Myrtle released by the United States Department of Agriculture National Arboretum in 1986, and a member of the Indian Series, 'Tuskeegee' thrives under diverse diverse conditions and is powdery mildew resistant. It is one of the few cultivars that can take the heat as far down as South Florida USDA Zone 10, and has shown cold hardiness as far north as Zone 7a. For up to 100 days during summer and into fall, Tuskegee shows off abundant 9-inch long by 7-inch wide flamboyant clusters of deep pinkish-red, what we call watermelon-red, flowers. Grown as a multi-trunk, Tuskegee becomes a broad spreading small tree to around 20 feet tall and equally as wide. The light grey bark has soft olive-green and tan accents and the trunks have handsome fluted grooves. The new leaves are red tinged when young maturing to dark green by summer then turning to vibrant orange to red shades in fall. A fine specimen in the landscape! 

Growing to 20-25 feet tall and equally as wide over time, the Tuskegee Crape Myrtle is ideal for use as a specimen tree or in groupings in sunny landscape borders. It can also be used in straight or curved rows to line a drive, street or property line or to frame the corners of homes and other buildings and structures. A fine addition to red theme gardens and bird gardens. 

Spacing:  10 to 15 feet apart for screen; 25 feet or more apart for space between plants

Tuskegee Crape Myrtle is very easy to grow. It is not picky about soil type provided the soil is well-drained. A moist but well-drained soil of average fertility is preferred. Full sun is preferred and results in heavier flower production. Light shade is tolerated but flowering will be diminished in more shade. Has shown the highest resistance to powdery mildew and is quite drought tolerant when established.