Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei 'Natchez'

tree

Natchez Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei 'Natchez'

$64.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Lagerstroemia indica, the crape myrtle, is a deciduous tree or large shrub native to East Asia, widely cultivated for its smooth, exfoliating bark and crinkled summer blooms. The species thrives in hot, sunny climates, producing terminal panicles of flowers on the current season's growth before shedding its foliage in autumn.

'Natchez' is a highly disease-resistant hybrid selection distinguished by its pure white flower panicles that can reach up to 30 centimetres in length. It develops a broad, vase-shaped canopy and features highly ornamental, smooth cinnamon-brown bark that peels away to reveal rich reddish-brown tones beneath.

Uses & Benefits:

Features pure white summer flowers, vibrant autumn foliage, and highly decorative exfoliating cinnamon-brown bark.

Functions as an effective deciduous shade tree, allowing winter sun penetration while blocking hot summer heat.

Provides nectar and pollen for native bees, beneficial insects, and nectar-eating birds during summer.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

354 inches

Width

236 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Medium to High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

East Asia (parent species)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Autumn

In flower about 4 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Fast Growing Trees

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a planting site in full sun that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and to the same depth, ensuring the soil is well-drained.
Backfill with native soil, firming gently around the base, and water deeply to settle the roots.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it clear of the main trunk.
Water regularly during the first growing season until the root system is fully established.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly during winter dormancy to clear out crossing branches and maintain the natural vase shape; severe pollarding or chopping back to thick stubs forces weak, dense water-shoots that ruin the architectural form.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun to maximise flowering and prevent fungal diseases.
Prune lightly in winter to maintain an open, vase-shaped canopy.
Apply a slow-release, low-phosphorus fertiliser in early spring.

Don't

Do not perform 'crape murder' by severely hacking back the main structural trunks.
Do not overwater or plant in poorly drained, waterlogged soils.
Avoid excessive high-nitrogen fertilisers which promote foliage at the expense of flowers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen treeShade treeStreet plantingCourtyard focal point

Companion Plants

Salvia Liriope muscari Westringia fruticosa

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 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Natchez Crape Myrtle bloom?

Natchez Crape Myrtle typically blooms in summer through autumn. 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.