Catawba Crape Myrtle is a domed upright deciduous shrub with exfoliating bark.  The foliage emerges bronze-red and matures to bright green before turning vibrant red-orange in fall, while the large dark purple panicles bloom bloom on new wood in summer.  Best color in full sun and rich well-drained soil.  Catawba is mildew resistant.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low Maintenance.  Water Regularly.  Prune back in spring before bloom to promote flowers.  It can be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew.  Watch for aphids and scale.
LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Wildlife Gardens, Urban Gardens, Foundation Planting, and Hedges.

COMPANION PLANTS: Lilyturf, Hibiscus, Butterfly Bush

Image: Photo by David J. Stang, Lagerstroemia indica Catawba 4zz, CC BY-SA 4.0