What's your question? Ask

Fantasy Crapemyrtle would be suited for your area. This article will help: http://rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu/sfftreesandshrubs.htm

I will recommend rosemary oil, garlic oil, neem oil, lavender oil, and many others. Sooty mold is rather annoying.

It is best in, either early spring, or late winter. Otherwise, you may affect flower production.

Here is a link for more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/crepe-myrtle-care.htm

Personally, I only prune back after it is established. Once you get one, or a few tall stalks, then cut everything else off. Leave those and cut them back to the point that you want them to branch. I do not recommend pruning all the way back every year. This can make them hard to control in the future.

Here is an article for more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/pruning-crepe-myrtle-trees.htm

Rabbits never cease to surprise me when it comes to what they will nibble on. It is possible that they will, although it isn't a natural food source for them. Here is an article that will give you a little more advice on how to control them: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/keep-rabbits-out-of-gardens.htm

You will want to prune in late winter or early spring. This article will give more information on what to cut, and how:https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/best-crepe-myrtle-pruning-time-when-to-prune-crepe-myrtle.htm