Natchez Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Natchez’

Other Names or Spellings: Crepe Myrtle, Crepemyrtle, Crapemyrtle

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 6a-9b Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Tree, Fauriei Hybrid

Height at Maturity: 20-30′

Width at Maturity: 15-20′
Spacing: 15-20′

Growth Habit / Form: Upright, Broad Canopy, Rounded Canopy, Arching

Growth Rate: Fast

Flower Color: White

Flowering Period: Mid-Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall

Flower Type: Single flowers in large rounded to elongated clusters

Fragrant Flowers: No

Foliage Color: Dark Green
Fall Foliage Color: Reddish Purple

Fragrant Foliage: No

Bark Color: Cinnamon-Red

Sun Needs: Full Sun or Mostly Sun

Water Needs: Average, low when established

Soil Type: Clay, Loam, Sand, Silt

Soil Drainage: Well Drained

Soil pH: 5.0 – 6.5

Maintenance / Care: Low

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Deer – more info, Disease, Moderate Drought, Heat

Description

When it comes to flowering trees, there’s simply no others more showy than Crape Myrtles. They bloom for up to 100 days during summer, when there are few other trees and shrubs providing that service in the landscape. Colorful fall foliage and attractive exfoliating bark in winter enhance their overall appeal. It’s no wonder they are so wildly popular among designers and gardeners!

A year round color factory, ‘Natchez’ is perhaps the most colorful, attractive and tallest growing of all Crape Myrtle trees. For up to 120 days of summer this magnificent tree produces large 12 to 16-inch long clusters of pure white flowers at the ends of long, arching branches that form a wide, umbrella-shape canopy. The large, dark green leaves provide a nice backdrop for the flowers and turn to colorful shades of yellow during the fall. But perhaps one of the most unique and outstanding characteristic is the cinnamon-red bark that provides captivating interest in the landscape during the winter months. What’s more, Natchez is a totally mildew resistant Fauriei Hybrid.

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing 20 to 30 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide, the Natchez Crape Myrtle is one you’ll plant as a tree and not a shrub. It is ideal for use as a specimen, in groupings, in rows to line a drive or property line, or near patios, decks and other outdoor living spaces to provide shade. Excellent for framing the corners of homes and other buildings.

Suggested Spacing: 15 feet apart for solid hedge; 25 feet or more apart for space between trees

Growing Preferences

Natchez Crape Myrtle is very easy to grow. It is not picky about soil type provided the soil is well-drained. A moist but well-drained soil of average fertility is preferred. Full sun is preferred and results in heavier flower production. Light shade is tolerated but flowering will be diminished in more shade. Has shown excellent resistance to powdery mildew and is quite drought tolerant when established.

Helpful Articles

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for Crape Myrtle trees.

How To Plant A Crape Myrtle In The Ground Or In A Pot

How To Prune a Crape Myrtle Tree the Right Way

How To Fertilize & Water A Crape Myrtle

How To Prune a Dwarf Crape Myrtle

Choosing the Right Crape Myrtle

Plant Long & Prosper!

Meet The Wilson Brothers & Staff

Questions? Contact Us!

Great established little 1 gallon tree. I plan to bonsai this tree and because it’s so established there are many possibilities to create a cool Natchez bonsai. Very well packaged for delivery.——————————————–We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

This crepe arrived timely and well packaged. The instructions for planting on the website were very helpful. It already is budding.————————We are so glad you are pleased with your purchase! Thanks for the great review! Beth | WBG 🙂

My husband and I have a special love for the Natchez crepe myrtle. We were married in Natchez, Mississippi many years ago and have always had one planted in a special place in our yard. Last year we built our retirement home, so, we’re in the process of landscaping. Enter Wilson Bros. Every single plant we’ve received from their nursery has arrived within days, been expertly packed and in most cases, the soil is even damp! Our Natchez was no exception and it is now proudly the centerpiece of our new front yard and growing nicely. Thank you Wilson Bros. We will continue to order our landscape plants from you, I already have a long “wish” list! ———————- WBG Reply: Hi Debi – Such a great story and so glad you shared it with us. Natchez is also a personal favorite of mine among all crape myrtle varieties. Have three on each side of the entrance of my driveway and they are truly magnificent. We hope you enjoy yours for years to come. Let us know if there’s ever anything else we can help you with. We’re at your service! – Brent | Wilson Bros Gardens