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Catawba
Lagerstroemia indica 'Catawba'
Purple Crape Myrtle
Months of deep purple summer blooms on exfoliating cinnamon bark — a heat-loving showstopper
Select Size
Size GuideDormant bare-root whip, ready for planting
$22.00
The Catawba Crape Myrtle is the gold standard for deep purple summer blooms, producing dense panicles of rich, true-purple flowers from midsummer well into fall — the longest bloom season of any flowering tree. Attractive exfoliating bark reveals smooth cinnamon and cream layers in winter. Foliage emerges bronzy-red in spring, matures to dark green, then turns brilliant orange-red in autumn. Thrives in heat and humidity, rewarding growers with nonstop color. Flowers on new wood, so moderate pruning is fine. Avoid severe topping, which can damage the natural form. Perfect for sunny borders, specimen plantings, and heat-loving landscapes.
Light
Full sun (6+ hours — more sun means more flowers)
Water
Moderate — drought-tolerant once established
Soil
Well-drained, adaptable to most soil types
Key Growing Specifications
Purple Crape Myrtle
Mature Height
10–30 ft (varies by cultivar; Catawba typically 20–30 ft)
Mature Width
15–25 ft
Growth Rate
Moderate to fast
Sun Requirement
Full sun required (6+ hours); more sun = more blooms
Soil Preference
Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to most types
Moisture Tolerance
Heat and drought-tolerant once established
Fertilizer Needs
Minimal; avoid heavy feeding (encourages vegetative growth)
Best Landscape Use
Specimen tree, sunny border, container plant, heat-loving areas
Important Growing Note
Avoid severe topping; mature size varies by cultivar — check specific variety
Growing Purple Crape Myrtle
Light
Full sun (6+ hours — more sun means more flowers)
Watering
Moderate — drought-tolerant once established
Soil
Well-drained, adaptable to most soil types
Hardiness Zone
USDA Zones 6–10
Spacing
8–10 ft apart
Fruiting
Blooms midsummer through fall (60–120 days)
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