Why Ruby Prince™ Emerald Empire® Crape Myrtles?

Part of a newer series that combines all the best Crape benefits into a new, dramatic form, the Ruby Prince Emerald Empire Crape Myrtle is a cousin to the Black Diamond® variety. These lush, green hedge-like Crape give off a warm, sunny appearance with thousands of blossoms to boast.

Emerald green foliage provides a striking backdrop to the draping ruby pink blossoms. These gem-like tones prove eye-catching in entryway plantings, driveway borders, or focal points in your plant beds. And because the Ruby Prince Crape is traditionally taller and hedge-like, you have the option to prune and shape them.

The blooms welcome early summer and last until the first frost. Even better is the fact that the lush Emerald Empire Crape withstands drought like a champ, thriving on rainfall alone once established.

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 Ruby Prince...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.

But when you order from Fast Growing Trees, you get a Crape Myrtle Tree grown and nurtured with meticulous care, ready to thrive in your landscape and burst with color quickly.

In fact, you can get the amazingly vibrant color of this variety as soon as the first season.

How Cold Hardy is the Ruby Prince™ Emerald Empire®?

Hardy down to temperatures as frigid as 0 degrees outdoors, this Crape Myrtle breaks the mold. Plus, it can be enjoyed in the colder climates of zones 2 to 5 as well. Just place your plants in containers and bring them indoors during harsh winter months!

How Do You Plant the Ruby Prince™ Emerald Empire®?

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 Ruby Prince™ Emerald Empire®?

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 Ruby Prince™ Emerald Empire®

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 Ruby Prince™ Emerald Empire®

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.