Natchez Crape Myrtle

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

20-30 Feet

Mature Spread

20 Feet

Growing Zones

7 to 10

Natchez Crape Myrtle brings a tall, elegant silhouette, clouds of crisp white blooms, and handsome cinnamon-brown bark to any sunny landscape. It’s a fast-growing small tree that delivers showy flowers in summer, fiery orange-red foliage in fall, and striking exfoliating trunks all winter.

Use it as a statement specimen, a curbside statement piece, or a loose screen that still feels airy and refined. Heat tolerant, drought tolerant once established, and generally mildew resistant, Natchez is an easy keeper with year-round style.

Natchez Crape Myrtle Care

Give Natchez Crape Myrtle 6–8+ hours of direct sun for the best flower show and strong stems. Plant in well-drained soil; slightly acidic to neutral pH 5.5–7.0 is ideal. Water deeply the first year, about once per week or when the top 2–3 inches of soil are dry; after establishment, water during prolonged dry spells. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch, keeping it a few inches away from the trunks.

Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release tree/shrub fertilizer; avoid high nitrogen that can reduce blooms. Prune in late winter to early spring: remove crossing or inward branches and old seed heads, and lightly shape; do not top. Hardy in Zones 7–10 (may die back in Zone 6). Suitable for large containers with excellent drainage in warm climates.

Natchez Crape Myrtle Spacing

For a specimen, allow 15–20 feet of width and plant at least 12–15 feet from buildings, overhead eaves, or other trees. For a loose hedge space 10–15 feet on center; tighter spacing fills in faster, wider spacing shows off trunk architecture. Keep 4–6 feet back from paths and driveways to accommodate the mature canopy.

In containers, start with a 20–24 inch wide pot, at least 18–20 inches deep, and upgrade 2–4 inches in diameter as roots fill the container. Stake only the first season in windy sites, then remove supports to encourage sturdy trunks. If grown on a grafted form, remove any suckers that emerge below the graft.

Why Grow Natchez Crape Myrtle?

• Months of white blooms from early summer to frost keep the garden bright when many trees are quiet.

• Exfoliating cinnamon bark and vivid fall color deliver true four-season interest.

• Heat and drought tolerant once established, with good resistance to powdery mildew.

• Strong architectural form works as a standout specimen or a classic curbside appeal.

• Non-toxic to pets and wildlife friendly; pollinators visit the summer flowers.

Transform sunny spaces with reliable blooms and beautiful bark. Plant Natchez Crape Myrtle today and enjoy a small tree that performs in every season with very little fuss.