Plant field guide
Crepe Myrtle (Natchez)
One of the most popular and disease-resistant crape myrtles. Large tree form with spectacular cinnamon-brown exfoliating bark and profuse white flower clusters all summer. Outstanding orange-red fall color.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Lagerstroemia 'Natchez'
- Sun
- full sun
- Water
- low
- Height
- 144 in (366 cm) – 240 in (610 cm)
- Spread
- 120 in (305 cm) – 180 in (457 cm)
- Spacing
- Not recorded
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 6–9; average annual extreme minimum from -10°F (-23.3°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- easy
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: February, March.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Exceptional mildew resistance. One of the best for bark display. Hybrid (L. indica x L. fauriei). National Arboretum introduction. Fast grower.
Pruning
Minimal pruning needed. Remove suckers and crossing branches. Avoid 'crape murder' - never top the tree. Thin interior branches for airflow.
Fertilizer
Balanced slow-release
Early spring
Mulch
3-4 inches of organic mulch. Keep away from trunk.