Catawba Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Catawba'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
144 inches
Width
144 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to Medium
Humidity
High tolerance
Lifespan
Long-lived deciduous shrub, 50+ years
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Lagerstroemia indica, or Crape Myrtle, is a deciduous shrub or small tree celebrated for its long-lasting, showy summer flowers, attractive exfoliating bark, and good drought tolerance. 'Catawba' is a classic cultivar known for its dense, rounded habit and profuse, long-lasting panicles of dark purple flowers. It also exhibits good resistance to powdery mildew and has attractive orange-red fall color.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select the sunniest, warmest spot in your garden.
- Plant in well-drained soil; crape myrtles are not picky.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
- Set the plant at the same depth it was growing in the container.
- Backfill with soil and water deeply to settle roots.
- Mulch to conserve water, but keep it away from the trunks.
Pro Tip
For best flowering, plant in a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct, uninterrupted sunlight per day.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply but infrequently once established to encourage drought resistance.
- Prune lightly in late winter to improve structure and remove errant branches.
- Remove suckers that grow from the base of the plant.
- Ensure good air circulation to minimize disease risk.
Don't
- Don't plant in the shade; it will result in poor flowering and disease.
- Avoid severe topping or 'crape murder', which creates weak growth and ruins the natural form.
- Don't overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
- Don't fertilize late in the season, as it can push tender growth that is susceptible to winter damage.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Catawba Crape Myrtle questions
What zones can Catawba Crape Myrtle grow in?
Catawba Crape Myrtle is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Catawba Crape Myrtle deer resistant?
Yes — Catawba Crape Myrtle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Catawba Crape Myrtle bloom?
Catawba Crape Myrtle typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Catawba Crape Myrtle need full sun?
Catawba Crape Myrtle does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Catawba Crape Myrtle drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Catawba Crape Myrtle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Lagerstroemia to compare
Indian Crapemyrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Tonto'
Northern Belle Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Northern Belle'
Tonto Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Tonto Hardy'
Acoma Crepe Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Acoma'
Crape Myrtle Delta Eclipse
Lagerstroemia indica 'Delta Eclipse'
Crape Myrtle Dark Roast
Lagerstroemia indica 'Dark Roast'
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