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Lagerstroemia indica 'Catawba'
Catawba Crape Myrtle
USDA/National Arboretum hybrid — {L. indica} × {L. fauriei}
Overview
Lagerstroemia indica 'Catawba' is a purple-flowered crape myrtle, growing 120–180 inches (300–450 cm) tall and 96–120 inches (240–300 cm) wide. Deep purple to dark violet crinkled crepe-paper-textured flowers in panicles 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) from mid-summer through fall — approximately 16 weeks of bloom. A hybrid of L. indica × L. fauriei from the USDA National Arboretum breeding program. The L. fauriei parentage contributes greater powdery mildew resistance and more pronounced exfoliating bark compared to pure L. indica cultivars. Named after the Catawba people. Summer deep purple flowers; fall orange-red foliage; winter exfoliating bark (smooth, mottled cinnamon, gray, and cream that develops with age); spring new growth. Blooms on new (current-season) wood. Severe topping destroys the natural vase form and removes the bark — thin interior branches and remove crossing limbs instead. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant once established. Non-toxic. Zones 7–9. Full sun (6+ hours). Compared to other crape myrtle cultivars: L. indica 'Scarlet Colorama' (red) and L. indica 'Tuscarora' (coral-pink). Aphids and Japanese beetle are common pests. Aphid honeydew causes sooty mold on foliage and surfaces beneath the canopy.
Native Range
USDA/National Arboretum hybrid: L. indica × L. fauriei.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen, street tree, or multi-stemmed screen in zones 7–9, spaced 96–120 inches (240–300 cm) apart. Full sun. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 15'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Mid-summer through fall, approximately 16 weeks. Blooms on current-season wood. Deep purple crinkled crepe-textured petals. Removing spent panicles promotes a second flush.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Deep PURPLE to dark violet, crinkled crêpe-paper petals — the DARKEST PURPLE crape myrtleFoliage Description
Dark green; orange-red fall colorGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Blooms on new wood. Do not top — thin interior and remove crossing branches. Indica × fauriei hybrid with improved mildew resistance. Drought-tolerant once established. Aphids and Japanese beetle. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 7–9.Pruning
Thin interior branches, remove crossing limbs, and maintain the natural vase form. Do not top or hat-rack. Prune in late winter before new growth.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late winter