Natchez Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia 'Natchez'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
300 inches
Width
216 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to medium
Humidity
High
Lifespan
50+ years
Native To
Garden hybrid
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Crape myrtles are deciduous shrubs or small trees celebrated for their long-lasting, showy summer flowers, attractive bark, and good fall color. They are heat-loving plants that thrive in southern climates. 'Natchez' is a highly-regarded hybrid known for its vigorous growth, large panicles of pure white flowers, and exceptional exfoliating bark that reveals a smooth, cinnamon-brown trunk. It also boasts excellent resistance to powdery mildew.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a location that receives at least six hours of direct sun.
- Ensure the soil is well-drained; amend heavy clay if necessary.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but just as deep.
- Set the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil.
- Backfill with native soil and water deeply to settle.
- Mulch around the base to conserve water, avoiding contact with the trunk.
Pro Tip
To showcase its beautiful bark, selectively prune lower branches to train it into a multi-stemmed or single-trunk tree form.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant in full sun for best flowering and disease resistance.
- Water deeply during establishment and extended droughts.
- Prune selectively in late winter to enhance its natural form.
- Remove suckers from the base as they appear.
Don't
- Do not commit 'crape murder' by topping the tree; it creates weak growth.
- Avoid planting in shady or poorly drained locations.
- Don't over-fertilize, which can reduce flowering.
- Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage foliar diseases.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Natchez Crape Myrtle questions
What zones can Natchez Crape Myrtle grow in?
Natchez Crape Myrtle is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Natchez Crape Myrtle deer resistant?
Yes — Natchez Crape Myrtle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Natchez Crape Myrtle bloom?
Natchez Crape Myrtle typically blooms in mid-summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Natchez Crape Myrtle need full sun?
Natchez Crape Myrtle does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Natchez Crape Myrtle drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Natchez Crape Myrtle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Lagerstroemia to compare
Indian Crapemyrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Tonto'
Northern Belle Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Northern Belle'
Tonto Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Tonto Hardy'
Acoma Crepe Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Acoma'
Crape Myrtle Delta Eclipse
Lagerstroemia indica 'Delta Eclipse'
Crape Myrtle Dark Roast
Lagerstroemia indica 'Dark Roast'
Keep exploring
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Grow Natchez Crape Myrtle with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
