Ornamental
Crape Myrtle 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.
Example of Sizes
