Natchez Crape Myrtle Plant – Lagerstroemia indica × fauriei ‘Natchez’ (White Flowering Tree, Live Starter Plant)

The Natchez Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica × fauriei ‘Natchez’) is the classic white crape myrtle, and one of the most beloved flowering trees in the South. From mid-summer into early fall it is smothered in huge clusters of crisp, pure-white, crepe-papery blooms. In autumn the glossy green leaves turn brilliant orange-red, and in winter its smooth, rich cinnamon-brown exfoliating bark steals the show. A fast-growing, vase-shaped tree and one of the largest crape myrtles, the Natchez Crape Myrtle is a National Arboretum hybrid prized for its standout mildew resistance and effortless four-season beauty.

Why Grow a Natchez Crape Myrtle?

• Elegant white summer blooms – massive clusters of pure-white, crepe-papery flowers from mid-summer into fall, among the longest bloom of any crape myrtle.
• Four-season interest – white summer flowers, orange-red fall foliage, and gorgeous cinnamon-brown exfoliating bark for winter.
• Outstanding mildew resistance – a National Arboretum indica × fauriei hybrid with excellent resistance to powdery mildew, aphids, and scale in full sun.
• Fast-growing shade-scale tree – also one of the largest, quickest crape myrtles, perfect as a specimen, street, or lawn tree.
• Pollinator-friendly & pet-safe – the blooms draw bees and butterflies, and the plant is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Looking for more flowering color? Browse our Flowering Plants and Trees collections.

Plant Specifications at a Glance

• Botanical name: Lagerstroemia indica × fauriei ‘Natchez’
• Plant type: Deciduous flowering small-to-medium tree or large shrub (multi-stemmed, vase-shaped)
• Plant family: Lythraceae (the loosestrife family)
• Mature size: about 20–30 feet tall and 15–25 feet wide — one of the largest crape myrtles
• Flowers: Large, crepe-papery, pure-white clusters from mid-summer into early fall
• Foliage & bark: Glossy green leaves turning orange-red in fall; smooth, cinnamon-brown exfoliating bark
• Notable traits: Mildew-resistant, drought- and heat-tolerant, deer-resistant, pet-safe
• Cold Hardiness Zones: 6–9 (roots are hardier; top growth is reliably hardy in zone 7 and up)

Natchez Crape Myrtle Care & Growing Guide

Crape myrtles are easy to grow in the right spot. Follow these guidelines:

• Sunlight: Full sun, at least six hours of direct sun a day, and more is better. Specifically, full sun gives the best bloom and the strongest mildew resistance.
• Water: Water deeply and regularly for the first couple of years to establish a strong root system, and more often in extreme heat. Once mature, it is drought-tolerant and needs only occasional deep watering.
• Soil: Adapts to most well-drained soils (clay, loam, or sandy), and it prefers slightly acidic conditions (about pH 5.0–6.5). However, avoid soggy ground.
• Cold Hardiness Zone: 6–9. In colder areas, plant in a sheltered spot and mulch the roots, since top growth may suffer in unusually harsh winters.
• Pruning: Prune lightly in late winter or early spring before new growth, only to remove dead or crossing branches. In addition, give it room to reach full size and avoid heavy topping (crape murder).

Ways to Use Natchez Crape Myrtle in the Landscape

This large, four-season tree anchors sunny landscapes. Popular uses for the Natchez Crape Myrtle include:

• Specimen or focal-point tree for lawns and front yards
• Also a street tree or patio shade tree (it gets large, so give it room)
• Row or cluster plantings for a summer-blooming privacy screen
• Similarly, a backdrop for smaller shrubs, borders, and pollinator gardens
• Clean, bright white color near entries and outdoor living areas

It pairs beautifully with other crape myrtles and sun-loving plants. For example, gardeners often combine it with the coral-pink Tuscarora Crape Myrtle, the true-red Red Rocket Crape Myrtle, or the bird-friendly Red Cluster Bottlebrush.

What You’ll Receive

These are live Natchez Crape Myrtle starter plants, grown and shipped by Carlo’s Plant Farm. Each plant is less than 12 inches tall when we ship it. The listing photos show mature plants of the same species. That way, you can see how yours will look as they grow and bloom. Finally, choose your preferred bundle size using the options above.

Also, due to different state laws, we reserve the right to charge extra fees where necessary to comply.

Ordering, Shipping & Returns

Every order ships free and is insured against loss or damage in transit. For full details on how we pack and send your plants, processing and delivery times, and what to do in the rare case of a problem, please review our Shipping Policy and Terms & Conditions before purchasing. By placing an order, you agree to those terms.

Natchez Crape Myrtle FAQ

Growing & Care Questions

Hardiness, Buying & Shipping Questions