The Catawba Crape Myrtle , scientifically recognize asLagerstroemia indica ‘ Catawba ’ , is a cultivar of the Crape Myrtle coinage , which is aboriginal to Asia , particularly China , Korea , and Japan . While the species itself is not native to North America , the Catawba variety has become a beloved cosmetic plant in the United States , specially in the southeastern region . It thrives in warm , temperate climates and is well - suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 9 . The Catawba Crape Myrtle has been wide planted in country such as the Carolinas , Georgia , and Texas , where its vivacious blossom and sturdy nature make it a popular choice for landscape gardening . Despite its non - native origins , it has adapted well to the dirt and climates of its adopted home , becoming a basic in gardens and urban landscape painting across the South .
The Catawba Crape Myrtle has a fascinating history that traces back to its introduction to the United States in the late 18th C . The speciesLagerstroemia indicawas first brought to Charleston , South Carolina , by French botanist André Michaux in 1786 . Its stunning bloom and power to thrive in hot , humid climates quickly made it a favorite among gardeners and horticulturist .
Over metre , breeders develop legion cultivars , including the Catawba diversity , which is prized for its deep purple blooms and compact growth habit . The Catawba Crape Myrtle gained far-flung popularity in the mid-20th hundred as a abject - alimony , drought - liberal industrial plant that could add a splash of color to southern landscape painting . Today , it is a symbol of summer in the South , often seen liner streets , adorning public parks , and gracing secret garden .
Characteristics
USDA Zones
The Catawba Crape Myrtle is beseem to USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9 . In Zone 6 , where wintertime can be more hard , young trees might need some security or mulching to ensure survival through the coldest months . In Zones 7 through 9 , ‘ Catawba ’ thrive , benefiting from the warmer temperature and longer growing time of year , which promote robust blooming and growth .
Cultivation
Cultivating the Catawba Crape Myrtle involves understanding its needs for sun , drainage , and space , but once establish , it ’s a relatively depressed - maintenance industrial plant that offers substantial decorative value . Its power to boom in various landscape , from formal gardens to casual urban options , underscores its versatility and popularity among gardener and landscape designer likewise .
