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Natchez Crape Myrtle

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Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If your tree arrives damaged or dies within 30 days, we'll replace it for free. If it dies after 30 days, but before 1 year, we will replace it for just 50% of the current price.

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Relax... we've got you covered with free shipping on every order! We ship out so many huge plants, we've negotiated a low rate with our carriers... and we pass those savings on to you! Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!

Is Now a Good Time to Plant?

Yes! Fall is one of the best times to plant!

Landscaping experts often recommend planting in fall instead of waiting until spring. Here’s why:

  • Cooler weather puts less stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
  • Fall soil is still warm, which helps roots grow and get established.
  • Cooler temperatures mean less water is lost through the leaves, making it easier for plants to stay hydrated.
  • Even after top growth slows for winter, roots continue developing below ground.
  • Fall weather often brings more rain and less heat, making new plants easier to care for.
  • By spring, your plants already have a head start. Their established roots can support strong new leaves, branches, and flowers.
  • Trees planted in spring must establish their roots while also dealing with rising temperatures and summer heat.

Plant this fall, and your trees can spend the cooler months getting settled instead of waiting until spring to get started!

Planting your Natchez Crape Myrtle

Planting Instructions for Natchez Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei)

  1. Soil Preparation & Site Selection:
    Natchez Crapemyrtle thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay, but it prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels (around 5.5 to 7). Ensure the planting site has good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases, and avoid low-lying areas prone to waterlogging.
  2. Digging & Planting:
    Dig a hole about 2–3 inches shallower than the root ball and twice as wide. The root ball should sit slightly above ground level to allow for settling and prevent drowning. Use the mound technique to raise the planting area if needed, especially in poorly draining soils. Position the tree so that the top of the root ball is slightly elevated from the surrounding soil.
  3. Spacing:
    If planting multiple Crapemyrtles, space them 8–12 feet apart to allow for their mature size and airflow. This helps maintain healthy foliage and reduces the risk of powdery mildew.
  4. Initial Watering & Mulching:
    After planting, water thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch (like wood chips or pine straw) around the base, but leave a small gap between the mulch and the trunk to prevent rot. Mulch helps retain moisture and control weeds.

Care Instructions During Establishment

  1. Watering:
    During the first year, water your Natchez Crapemyrtle regularly, especially during dry periods. It prefers consistent moisture but should not sit in wet soil. Water deeply once or twice a week to encourage deep root growth. After establishment, it becomes drought-tolerant and will require less frequent watering.
  2. Fertilization:
    In early spring, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 mix) to encourage healthy growth and blooming. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
  3. Monitoring for Issues:
    Keep an eye out for signs of powdery mildew, particularly in humid conditions. Ensure the plant has good airflow and consider using fungicidal treatments if the problem persists. Also, inspect for aphids and scale insects, which can sometimes be an issue on Crapemyrtles.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

  1. Pruning:
    Crapemyrtles benefit from light pruning to encourage strong structure and more blooms. Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches, and shape the tree if desired. Avoid "topping" the plant (cutting off the main branches), as this can ruin its natural shape and lead to weak growth.
  2. Pest & Disease Management:
    Natchez Crapemyrtle is fairly resistant to powdery mildew compared to other varieties, but maintaining good airflow and avoiding overhead watering can help. Aphids can also cause sooty mold (a black fungus on leaves), but introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs or using insecticidal soap can manage the problem effectively.
  3. Seasonal Care:
    Crapemyrtle is hardy in USDA zones 7–9. In cooler regions, the plant may die back in winter, but it will resprout in spring. To prepare for winter, mulch around the base of the tree to insulate the roots. In spring, apply a slow-release fertilizer and water well to support fresh growth and abundant blooms.

Additional Tips for Growing Natchez Crapemyrtle

  1. Maximizing Blooms:
    Natchez Crapemyrtle produces beautiful white blooms from summer to early fall. To extend the blooming period, deadhead spent flowers during the growing season. This encourages the plant to produce additional blooms and helps maintain its tidy appearance.
  2. Avoid Over-Pruning:
    One common mistake is excessive pruning, often called "Crape Murder," where the tree is severely cut back. This weakens the plant and ruins its natural form. Stick to light pruning in late winter or early spring to shape the tree, remove dead wood, or thin out crowded branches.
  3. Companion Planting:
    Natchez Crapemyrtle pairs well with perennials and ground covers that prefer sunny conditions and well-drained soil, such as coneflowers, daylilies, or ornamental grasses. The tree’s height and wide canopy also make it a good companion for lower-growing plants that benefit from partial shade beneath its branches.
  4. Dealing with Heat Stress:
    Crapemyrtles are heat-loving, but during extreme heat waves, especially when newly planted, provide supplemental watering to prevent heat stress. Mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations.
  5. Improving Fall Color:
    Natchez Crapemyrtle not only offers beautiful blooms but also puts on a show in fall with vibrant orange-red foliage. To enhance fall color, ensure the plant receives full sun and proper nutrition. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which can lead to lush green growth but poor fall color.
  6. Preventing Sooty Mold:
    If you notice black mold on the leaves, it's likely a result of aphid infestations, as they secrete a sticky substance (honeydew) that attracts mold. To control aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, or use insecticidal soap as a last resort.
What Customers say about the Natchez Crape Myrtle:

The Natchez Crape Myrtle thrives in Zones 7-10

Growing Zones for the Natchez Crape Myrtle

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Natchez Crape Myrtle.

Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 7-10
Mature Height 20-30 ft.
Mature Width 20 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Full Sun
Botanical Name Lagerstroemia indica 'Natchez'

Plants that Make a Difference

For 20+ years, our team has shipped healthy, established plants to gardeners like you- all across the country. Every plant is selected and cared for by our plant experts before it ships to your door.

  • 20+ Years Experience

  • Superior Quality

  • Free Shipping on All Orders

  • Guaranteed to Grow

Natchez Crapemyrtle - NationwidePlants.com

Beware- not all Natchez Crape Myrtles are the same.

Be sure to get superior crape myrtles, grown by experts.

Better Roots Make Stronger Plants: Some nurseries send you "bare root" crape myrtles to save on shipping. Even worse, others have started digging them right out of the ground before shipping. This causes major transplant shock and long-term damage. We send you Natchez Crape Myrtles in soil-filled containers- ensuring a well-developed root system that will explode with growth and blooms!

Healthy Plants: We've seen other nurseries grow tall crape myrtles in tiny pots to save on shipping. This leads to a "root bound" tree, where the roots have outgrown their pot- they cannot absorb water and nutrients. They quickly dry out during shipment, leading to an unhealthy tree.

The Natchez Crape Myrtle is loved for its bright white summer blooms and striking cinnamon bark- beauty in every season.

  • Clusters of pure white flowers from mid-summer into early fall
  • Cinnamon-colored peeling bark adds interest all year, even in winter
  • Fast-growing tree reaching 20-30 ft. tall, perfect for shade or lining a driveway
  • More resistant to powdery mildew than many other crape myrtles

Not all plants are created equal

The Difference Is in the Roots

Every plant we ship has grown in a nursery container with its roots protected, so it arrives healthy, established and ready to thrive in your yard.

A full, branched Nationwide Plants tree in a nursery pot next to a thin bare-root tree with exposed roots Ours: container grown Theirs: bare root
Nationwide Plants compared with Other Nurseries
Nationwide Plants Other Nurseries
How it's grown Nationwide Plants: Grown in a nursery container, roots protected the whole time Other Nurseries: Pulled or dug from the field, tearing fragile roots
How it arrives Nationwide Plants: Arrives in its pot with soil intact Other Nurseries: Arrives bare root, exposed and drying out
Before shipping Nationwide Plants: Growing naturally until it ships Other Nurseries: Held dormant in a cooler, then shocked by a hot shipping box
Root health Nationwide Plants: Strong, well-developed roots with room to grow Other Nurseries: Crammed into a small pot until it's root bound
Height Nationwide Plants: Measured from the top of the soil Other Nurseries: Often includes the pot and roots
After planting Nationwide Plants: Settles in quickly with less transplant shock Other Nurseries: Arrives stressed and can take years to recover, if it does

The height you see is the height you plant.

We measure every plant from the top of the soil, not the bottom of the pot. Many nurseries include the pot and roots, so a "5–6 ft." tree from them might stand only 4 ft. tall once it's planted.

Comparisons reflect common practices across the online plant industry, not any single company.

Honest Measurements: Some nurseries measure trees including the pot and roots, so their "5-6 ft." tree may only be about half that size when planted. We measure all of our plants from the soil line, so the height you see is what you can expect after planting.

From our nursery to your door

How We Ship Your Plants

Every order is hand-selected, watered and carefully packed so it arrives healthy and ready to plant. Here's what happens after you place your order.

  1. Step 1: Hand-Picked for You

    Our team selects the best plant available for your order. For privacy trees, that's the tallest and fullest. For fruit trees, it's the best branched.

    Why it matters: Many online nurseries ship whatever is next in the row.

  2. Step 2: A Deep Drink Before the Trip

    Every plant gets a thorough watering right before it's packed, so it starts the journey fully hydrated.

  3. Step 3: Roots Sealed In

    We wrap the pot and roots in plastic to lock in moisture, so your plant has water to drink all the way to your door.

    Why it matters: Bare-root plants are often shipped with their roots exposed and drying out.

  4. Step 4: Braced for the Ride

    Cardboard inserts are secured inside every box to hold your plant in place, so it won't slide, tip or get damaged in transit.

  5. Step 5: Shipped Only by FedEx

    We ship your trees exclusively with FedEx. We've found they deliver the fastest and handle live plants the most gently.

And if anything goes wrong, every plant is backed by our 1 Year Warranty.

Healthy Roots Make a Huge Difference

  • Never buy bare-root plants. These trees are starved of nutrients, and have a low survival rate.
  • Beware of nurseries cut corners by growing in small pots. These "rootbound" plants are weak, struggle to absorb nutrients, and die quickly after planting.
  • Some nurseries try to sell oversized plants, but chop off vital roots so they can cram the rootball into a narrow box to save on shipping!

You Want Natchez Crape Myrtles Grown by Experts

Some nurseries ship thin, weak crape myrtles grown in tiny pots to save money. These "root bound" trees struggle after planting and take longer to fill out and bloom well.

Nationwide Plants only sends you strong Natchez Crape Myrtles, selected and cared for by our plant experts, with healthy, developed root systems. That means your tree settles in quickly and starts giving you those bright white blooms sooner.

Read more about the Natchez Crape Myrtle

Natchez Crape Myrtle Tree - Elegant, Fast-Growing Shade Tree with Stunning White Blooms

The Natchez Crape Myrtle Tree (Lagerstroemia indica 'Natchez') is a standout in any landscape, renowned for its striking clusters of bright white flowers and smooth, cinnamon-colored bark. This fast-growing, hardy tree delivers beauty year-round, with showy blooms in summer, lush green foliage, and striking bark that adds architectural interest through the winter months. Ideal for homeowners looking to add long-lasting beauty and easy-care charm to their yard, the Natchez Crape Myrtle offers a combination of vibrant color, graceful form, and resilience to a wide range of growing conditions.

Key Features of the Natchez Crape:

  • Profuse White Blooms: Produces abundant clusters of pure white flowers that bloom from mid-summer into early fall, creating a striking contrast against the deep green foliage.
  • Fast-Growing: Reaches a mature height of 20-30 feet with a spread of 15-25 feet, providing both shade and beauty in just a few growing seasons.
  • Exfoliating Bark: Features smooth, cinnamon-colored bark that peels away to reveal a light under-layer, adding texture and interest even in winter.
  • Multi-Season Appeal: Offers brilliant white blooms in summer, rich fall foliage in orange-red tones, and striking bark through winter.
  • Hardy and Adaptable: Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10, tolerating hot summers, mild winters, and a variety of soil types.

Perfect for Driveways, Walkways, and Garden Focal Points

The Natchez Crape Myrtle Tree is a stunning ornamental tree that shines in many settings. Its tall, upright form and large canopy make it ideal for lining driveways or walkways, where its delicate white blooms create a welcoming, elegant entryway. As a fast-growing tree, it quickly provides shade, making it a perfect choice for creating a shaded area in your yard or garden.

In addition to its breathtaking blooms, the tree’s smooth, exfoliating bark provides year-round interest, especially during the winter months when the tree’s foliage has fallen. The bark sheds in patches to reveal a smooth, mottled surface underneath. This creates an attractive visual texture with shades of cinnamon, tan, or gray, adding ornamental value to the tree year-round. Plant the Natchez Crape Myrtle as a single specimen tree for dramatic effect, or group several together for a show-stopping display of white flowers and striking bark.

Crape Myrtle with Low Maintenance Appeal

The Natchez Crape Myrtle Tree is prized for its hardiness and low-maintenance care. It thrives in full sun, which encourages the most prolific blooming, and adapts to a wide range of soil types, from loamy to sandy or even clay. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care beyond occasional watering during dry periods. Light pruning in late winter helps maintain its shape and encourages vigorous blooming during the growing season. This tree is also highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it a reliable and easy-care addition to any landscape.

Growing Tips:

  • Sunlight: Thrives in full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight daily) for the best bloom production and healthy growth.
  • Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires only occasional watering.
  • Soil: Adaptable to a variety of soil types, from sandy to loamy or clay, as long as it is well-draining.
  • Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote growth and flowering.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Prune in late winter to remove dead or damaged branches and shape the tree for the upcoming growing season.

Why choose Nationwide Plants Natchez Crape Myrtle Trees?

At Nationwide Plants, we take pride in offering healthy, well-established trees that are ready to thrive in your garden. Our Natchez Crape Myrtle Trees are grown with expert care, ensuring they arrive with strong roots and vibrant growth. With fast shipping and expert planting advice, we make it easy for you to add this stunning ornamental tree to your landscape.

Add Year-Round Beauty with the Natchez Crape Myrtle Tree

Transform your landscape with the stunning Natchez Crape Myrtle, a white Crape Myrtle tree renowned for its gorgeous blooms. Its brilliant white flowers create an elegant display, while the smooth bark adds texture and visual appeal year-round. This low-maintenance tree is perfect for adding shade and enhancing your outdoor space with beauty and charm. A favorite among gardeners, the Natchez Crape Myrtle is an effortless way to elevate your yard's aesthetics.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Natchez Crape Myrtle

How big does a Natchez Crape Myrtle get?

A Natchez Crape Myrtle typically grows 20 to 30 feet tall with a spread of about 20 feet. Its tall, upright form and broad canopy make it a great choice for lining driveways, framing walkways, or planting as a specimen shade tree. Allow enough room for the full mature canopy.

What zones does Natchez Crape Myrtle grow in?

Natchez Crape Myrtle grows in USDA Zones 7 through 10 and handles hot summers and mild winters well. In the cooler end of its range it may die back in a hard winter but will resprout in spring. Mulching around the base in fall helps insulate the roots.

When does Natchez Crape Myrtle bloom?

Natchez Crape Myrtle blooms from mid-summer into early fall, producing abundant clusters of pure white flowers. Removing spent flower clusters during the season can encourage additional blooms. In fall the foliage turns orange-red, and the peeling cinnamon bark adds interest through winter.

How fast does Natchez Crape Myrtle grow?

Natchez Crape Myrtle is a fast-growing tree that can provide shade and summer blooms within just a few growing seasons. Full sun, regular watering during the first year, and a spring feeding help it establish quickly. Once established, it is drought tolerant and needs little care.

How far apart should I plant Natchez Crape Myrtles?

Space Natchez Crape Myrtles about 8 to 12 feet apart when planting several together, such as along a driveway or as a flowering screen. That spacing allows good airflow, which keeps foliage healthy and reduces the risk of powdery mildew. Plant each tree slightly above ground level.

How much sun does a Natchez Crape Myrtle need?

Natchez Crape Myrtle needs full sun, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, for the most prolific blooms and healthy growth. It adapts to sandy, loamy, or clay soils with a pH of about 5.5 to 7 as long as drainage is good. Avoid low spots where water collects.

When and how should I prune a Natchez Crape Myrtle?

Prune a Natchez Crape Myrtle lightly in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches and shape it gently. Avoid topping or severe cutting, often called crape murder, which weakens the tree and ruins its graceful natural form.

Does Natchez Crape Myrtle have peeling bark?

Yes, Natchez Crape Myrtle is known for its smooth, cinnamon-colored exfoliating bark. The bark peels away in patches to reveal a mottled under-layer in shades of cinnamon, tan, and gray. This striking bark provides ornamental interest all year, especially in winter when the leaves have dropped.

Is Natchez Crape Myrtle resistant to powdery mildew?

Yes, Natchez Crape Myrtle is fairly resistant to powdery mildew compared with many other crape myrtles. Good airflow and avoiding overhead watering help keep it healthy. Watch for aphids, which can cause sooty mold, and scale insects; insecticidal soap or beneficial insects like ladybugs can manage them.

Can Natchez Crape Myrtle be shipped to every state?

No, Natchez Crape Myrtle cannot be shipped to Arizona or Oregon because of state agricultural restrictions. It can be shipped to all other states. The tree is offered in several sizes, including 1-2 ft., 3-4 ft. in a 3 gallon container, 4-5 ft., and 5-6 ft.