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Catawba Crepe Myrtle Lagerstroemia indica 'Catawba'

Phonetic Spelling
la-ger-STROY-mee-a IN-dih-kuh
Description

Catawba Crape Myrtle, a small flowering tree, has long-lasting dark purple flowers that appear in the late summer.   With bronze-colored new leaves in the spring, its brilliant orange-red fall color, coupled with its interesting smooth bark makes for great year-round interest.  It can be trained as a single trunk though its tendency is toward a multitrunked habit.  It has been bred to be mildew resistant.

Pruning should be completed in winter or early spring, as this plant blooms on new wood.  

A layer of organic mulch will help keep the plant retain moisture.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids and scales are potential insects. Potential diseases include leaf spots and powdery mildew. In hardiness zones 5 to 6, the tree or shrub is susceptible to winter injury, especially any top growth. Be aware that the flowers can stain walkways or the paint of your car. Avoid planting near a walkway or driveway.

More information on Lagerstroemia indica.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#deciduous#small tree#interesting bark#purple flowers#winter interest#fall interest#cottage garden#flowering tree#year-round interest#large flowers#deciduous tree#flowers late summer#fall color red#fall color orange
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#deciduous#small tree#interesting bark#purple flowers#winter interest#fall interest#cottage garden#flowering tree#year-round interest#large flowers#deciduous tree#flowers late summer#fall color red#fall color orange
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Lagerstroemia
    Species:
    indica
    Family:
    Lythraceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Mildew
    Dimensions:
    Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 14 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Multi-trunked
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    12-24 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Description:
    Large, long-lasting crepe-like purple flowers appear in the late summer.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Orange
    Red/Burgundy
    Hairs Present:
    No
  • Bark:
    Bark Description:
    Bark is smooth, attractive multicolored bark
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Flowering Tree
    Mass Planting
    Small Tree
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Diseases
    Urban Conditions