Why Garnet King™ Emerald Empire® Crape Myrtle Trees?

Merging vivid color with a bold, dramatic shape, the Garnet King is perfect as a standalone showstopper, border hedge, or container accent. Known as a "shrub tree", the Garnet King lives up to its name, delivering showy red blooms with deep scarlet undertones.

These flowers are on full display through the warmest part of the year, often appearing in the spring. The vibrant green foliage gives the blooms a beautiful backdrop. And since they're highly tolerant of both humidity and drought once established, they're virtually carefree.

Especially since they resist pests while bringing graceful wildlife like butterflies and bees to your garden. The Emerald Empire Crape Myrtle is hassle-free, bringing together the best benefits of your favorite flowering varieties in one easy-to-grow package.

Who is Fast Growing Trees?

We are the largest mail-order nursery in the country, shipping bigger and better trees directly to your door.

And you won’t find a healthier, better developed tree...if you can even find one at all. Local garden centers and big-box retailers rarely stock these unique varieties, and the trees they offer are typically bare-root.

When Does the Garnet King™ Myrtle Bloom?

The Garnet blooms from late spring all the way through the fall.

How Cold Hardy is the Garnet King™ Crape Myrtle?

Hardy down to temperatures as frigid as 0 degrees outdoors, the Garnet King is exceptionally strong. Plus, it can be enjoyed in the colder climates of zones 2 to 5 as well. Just place your Garnet King Crapes in planters and bring them indoors during harsh winter months!

How Do You Plant the Garnet King™ Crape Myrtle?

Crapes are full sun lovers, so plant in an area with well-drained soil and 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily.

After you have found your planting area, dig your hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Comb your hands over the root ball to free up the roots a bit before planting. Place your tree in the hole and make sure that the root crown (where the root ball meets the trunk of the tree) is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole and water to settle the tree's roots. Finally, mulch the area around the tree to conserve moisture.

When Do You Water the Garnet King™ Crape Myrtle?

Though they are drought tolerant once established, you may have to water young trees more often, especially in the summer heat. If you're not sure when to water, however, simply check the surrounding 3 inches of soil for dryness and water when this area is dry.

Fertilizing the Garnet King™ Crape Myrtle

Your Crape will greatly benefit from a light application of a complete, balanced, slow-release fertilizer formula in the early spring and summer seasons.

How to Prune Your Garnet King™ Crape Myrtle

For a more graceful shape, remove all but 4 to 5 strong trunks and then remove the lateral branches around the lower half of the tree. Remove any damaged or crossing branches during the late winter, as well as any suckers, or low-growing branches.