The 'Catawba' Crape Myrtle is a deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its showy, long-lasting blooms and ornamental bark. It produces large clusters of crinkled, crepe-like flowers in vibrant shades of purple during the summer months. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. 'Catawba' Crape Myrtles also feature glossy, dark green leaves that turn shades of orange, red, and yellow in the fall, providing additional seasonal interest. As the tree matures, its bark exfoliates to reveal patches of smooth, cinnamon-colored bark underneath. Individual plants may vary in size depending on growing conditions, climate, and pruning practices. 'Catawba' Crape Myrtles have a rounded to vase-shaped growth habit with multiple stems emerging from the base. They can be pruned to maintain a more compact size or encouraged to grow taller for use as a specimen plant or small tree. The Catawba Crape Myrtle is one of the most beloved purple varieties, prized for its medium size and its ability to act as a "color bridge" between the smaller Black Diamond series and the massive tree-form varieties like Natchez. The 'Catawba' is often recommended because it naturally develops a rounded, umbrella-shaped dome. It stays small enough to fit under power lines or near houses without constant heavy pruning, yet it’s large enough to cast significant shade over a garden bench or patio.
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Scientific Name
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Lagerstroemia indica 'Catawba' |
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Foliage: Deciduous
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Leaves: New leaves emerge with a bronze hue in spring, mature to Glossy bright green in the summer, and turn a brilliant orange-red in the fall.
Flowers: Large, long-lasting clusters of dark violet-purple flowers. The color is often described as "royal" and is much deeper than the lilac or lavender shades found in older varieties.
Bark: Smooth and sculptural. As the tree ages, the bark peels away in thin layers to reveal shades of light gray, tan, and cinnamon.
Seeds: Small, round woody capsules (about the size of large peas). They persist into the winter and provide a subtle architectural look to the bare branches.
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Mature Height
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10-15 feet |
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Mature Width (Spread)
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8-12 feet |
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Growth Rate
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Moderate (1-2 feet per year) |
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USDA Zone
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7–9 (Often root-hardy to Zone 6b) |
Plant Care & Characteristics
Light Requirements: Full Sun (6+ hours). Adequate sunlight and heat is essential for promoting vigorous growth and flowering of its famous purple clusters.
Water Requirements: Moderate. Water deeply once a week during the first year. Very water-wise once established. They require regular watering, especially during dry periods or when grown in containers.
Drought Resistance: High. It is exceptionally heat-tolerant and handles dry spells well once mature.
Soil Type: Adaptable. Grows in almost any well-drained soil, from clay to sand. 'Catawba' Crape Myrtles may benefit from an annual application of balanced fertilizer in early spring to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth and flowering.In cooler climates, they may benefit from winter protection such as mulching or covering.
Deer Resistance: High. Like most Crape Myrtles, it is rarely a target for deer.
Maintenance: 'Catawba' Crape Myrtles are relatively low-maintenance once established. Pruning is typically done in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Prune the tree by removing dead, diseased, or overcrowded branches as needed to maintain the desired shape and size.
