Lagerstroemia ‘Natchez’ (Crape Myrtle)
Crape Myrtle 'Natchez', Crapemyrtle 'Natchez', Lagerstroemia x 'Natchez'
Noted for its outstanding ornamental features, Lagerstroemia ‘Natchez’ (Crape Myrtle) is a striking, vase-shaped, deciduous tree with a profusion of large clusters, up to 12 in. (30 cm), packed with ruffled and crinkly, pure white flowers at its branch tips. Blooming in mid to late summer, they create a brilliant display in the landscape. The crepe-papery flowers give way to round seed capsules which often persist well into winter. The foliage of dark green leaves turns orange and red shades in the fall before dropping – revealing the smooth, rich cinnamon-brown, peeling bark. Highly disease resistant, this multi-season beauty makes a striking specimen plant.
- Grows up to 25-30 ft. tall (750-900 cm) and 15-25 ft. wide (450-750 cm) at maturity.
- A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Drought and heat tolerant. Water regularly until established. To help crape myrtles retain water, mulch with organic matter 2-3 in. deep (5-7 cm).
- Crape myrtles are not usually browsed by deer.
- Perfect as a specimen plant or for foundation plantings.
- Crape myrtles bloom on new wood and should be pruned in winter or early spring. Remove dead branches any time.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
7 - 10 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
7 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, H1, H2 |
| Plant Type | Trees |
| Plant Family | Lythraceae |
| Genus | Lagerstroemia |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid, Late) |
| Height |
25' - 30' (7m - 9m) |
| Spread |
15' - 25' (4m - 7m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
123rf, JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
7 - 10 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
7 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, H1, H2 |
| Plant Type | Trees |
| Plant Family | Lythraceae |
| Genus | Lagerstroemia |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid, Late) |
| Height |
25' - 30' (7m - 9m) |
| Spread |
15' - 25' (4m - 7m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
