Plant field guide
Crepe Myrtle (Catawba)
One of the best dark purple-flowering crape myrtles. Compact semi-dwarf form covered in deep purple flower panicles from midsummer through fall. Rich orange-red autumn foliage.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Lagerstroemia indica 'Catawba'
- Sun
- full sun
- Water
- low
- Height
- 72 in (183 cm) – 120 in (305 cm)
- Spread
- 72 in (183 cm) – 108 in (274 cm)
- Spacing
- Not recorded
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 6–9; average annual extreme minimum from -10°F (-23.3°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- easy
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: February, March.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
True dark purple flowers - not lavender. Moderate mildew resistance. Compact habit good for smaller gardens. Flowers on new growth.
Pruning
Prune in late winter. Remove dead and crossing branches. Can be hard-pruned for even more compact growth.
Fertilizer
Balanced slow-release
Early spring
Mulch
2-3 inches of organic mulch.