Lagerstroemia indica ‘Catawba’, native to China, is a crape myrtle selected for its intense violet-purple summer flowering. It stands out from many other cultivars through this particularly deep flower colour, combined with a rounded to spreading habit and foliage that develops orange to reddish tones in autumn. Its smooth, ornamental bark also extends its decorative interest into winter.
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Characteristics of Lagerstroemia indica ‘Catawba’
Lagerstroemia indica ‘Catawba’ forms a large deciduous shrub or small tree, often grown with several main stems. At maturity, it generally reaches around 3 to 4.5 m depending on growing conditions. Its main varietal feature is its large panicles of deep violet to purple flowers, produced in summer on the current season’s growth. The green foliage, bronze when emerging, develops orange to reddish shades in autumn. The smooth bark also contributes to its ornamental value. ‘Catawba’ has also been selected for good resistance to powdery mildew, although this resistance is not absolute.
How to use Lagerstroemia indica ‘Catawba’?
Lagerstroemia indica ‘Catawba’ is particularly suitable as a specimen plant, where its flowering display and natural silhouette can be fully appreciated. It can also be used at the back of shrub borders, in informal hedges or in avenue planting in regions with sufficiently warm, sunny summers. Its naturally branched growth makes it well suited to multi-stem cultivation, while formative pruning can develop it into a small tree. Growing in a large container is possible for younger plants, provided irrigation and fertilisation are monitored carefully. For long-term cultivation, planting in the ground is preferable because of its mature size.
What are the best cultivation tips for Lagerstroemia indica ‘Catawba’?
Plant Lagerstroemia indica ‘Catawba’ in full sun, ideally in a warm position protected from cold winds. A light, fertile and well-drained soil promotes both growth and flowering. Allow approximately 3 m between plants to provide sufficient space for crown development. Water regularly during the first few years and during dry periods, without allowing the soil to remain permanently waterlogged. As flowering occurs on the current season’s shoots, pruning should be carried out in late winter or early spring, mainly to remove weak, damaged or poorly positioned branches. A balanced fertiliser applied in spring can support vegetative growth and flowering.
