Catawba Crape Myrtle Tree

Description

Is the Catawba Crape Myrtle Tree right for you?

🚨🚨 **** Important note: Sorry, No Sales to Western, Territories, or Phyto-certificate states due to shipping restrictions in your state (Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho). I can also only ship to Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi during bare root season (late fall through early spring) due to Japanese Beetle regulations.

It isn’t just the blooms that are eye-catching on this one. The leaves on a Catawba Crape myrtle are also beautiful. In Spring and Summer, they’re a vibrant/healthy green color. It’s a nice contrast between that shade of green and the bright purple flowers, making this tree stand out even more in any landscape. In fall, the leaves take on hints of reds and oranges. In winter, the bark of this tree is still interesting and beautiful in its own unique way.

I know that I shouldn’t love it, but I adore when our Crape Myrtle drops its blooms too. It covers the ground in what looks like a blanket of flowers. Messy? Maybe a little. But it’s so pretty. I’d take that to some of these other messy trees that are a pain to clean up! These aren’t (in my opinion).

✅ Botanical name: Lagerstroemia indica ‘Catawba’

🚨 This variety is more resistant to powdery mildew – a common problem for Crape Myrtles.

✅ Growing zones: 7-9

✅ Mature size: 10-15 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide. These are quick growers when happy!

✅ Blooms: Stunning purple blooms up to 120 days – starting in spring/summer!

✅ Soil: Adaptable to most types but does need well-draining. Crape myrtles hate being completely saturated with ‘wet feet.’ Also prefers a slightly acidic soil. If yours is too alkaline, you may need to amend it slightly with a soil acidifier.

✅ Water: To get your tree established, water deeply and thoroughly after planting. Do the same thing 2 – 3 times per week for the first 3 – 6 months. ALWAYS water at the ground level, not the leaves. This helps prevent fungal diseases. More water may be needed during the hot summer months if it hasn’t rained. After crape myrtles are established (1 to 2 years), they are remarkably drought tolerant.

✅ Fertilizer: You can add some compost when planting. Also apply a balanced slow release plant food (like a 10-10-10 formula) in early spring before leaves form. Acid lovers fertilizer often works well. Don’t overfertilize these trees because it can cause lots of leafy growth but fewer blooms.

✅ Pruning: Typically, very little pruning is needed for these. You can cut out dead, crossing, or damaged branches when the tree is dormant (no leaves).

✅ There are very few pest and disease issues that affect these Catawba Crape Myrtles. We do however like to apply Neem Oil to keep troubles at bay. You could also try adding Neem Cake to the soil.

🦋 🐝 Pollinators LOVE these trees. Butterflies will come to it, but because Crape Myrtles don’t produce their food source (nectar), they won’t stick around for a long time.

✅ These are beautiful, low maintenance, smaller in size, and all-around spectacular. This particular variety is a fan-favorite for good reason. They may not be around for long 🙂

If you have any questions, I’m here to help the best I can! As a small family nursery, my goal is to offer the “personal touch” to show you that we care about your business. Customer service, and your support, sincerely matter to us. Thanks for looking!