Crape Myrtle Trees - Natchez Crepe Myrtles

The plant taxonomy of "Natchez" crepe myrtles is Lagerstroemia x 'Natchez.' As with many of the widely-grown crape myrtle trees used in landscaping, this plant is a hybrid derived from crossing Lagerstroemia indica with Lagerstroemia fauriei. Although originally from Asia, Lagerstroemia is naturalized in the Southeastern U.S.

Natchez crepe myrtles are deciduous shrubs or small trees.

The leaves resemble those of true myrtles, Myrtus communis, thus the origin of the second half of the name. As for the first half, the crinkly texture of the flower petals suggests c-r-e-p-e paper; indeed, the latter spelling is almost as widely used as c-r-a-p-e. I use both here to reflect that fact.

Natchez crepe myrtles are hardy to planting zone 6. However, in the Northern reaches of their range, they are often treated as herbaceous perennials. They're much more prevalent in the Southern U.S.

Natchez crepe myrtles grow 20'-30' high in the South. The foliage becomes a reddish-orange in fall. The bark peels off attractively, rather like that of birches, adding winter interest. Natchez crepe myrtles bear white blooms. As with most crepe myrtle, the flowers are the main selling point. They not only grow in striking clusters, but put on a display that lasts longer than that for most plants (mid-summer to fall). The blooms yield to fruits that are brownish and persist through winter.

Don't over-fertilize Natchez crepe myrtles. Excessive fertilizing can reduce blooming, as the plant uses the energy to increase foliar growth. In addition to reducing your viewing pleasure, the result is often winter injury, as well. For pruning, see below, under "Disease and Pruning."

Natchez crepe myrtles (and other types, as well), prefer full sun and a well-drained soil. Exposure to full sun can help prevent some of the less mildew-resistant varieties of crape myrtle trees from succumbing to the disease. Soil pH should be 5.0 - 6.5.

Crape myrtle trees, including Natchez crepe myrtles, make fine specimen plants. Used in groups, they can form decorative border plantings or privacy hedges. Since these specimens don't balk at being confined to tight areas, municipalities in the South often use them for street plantings.

Very importantly, Natchez crepe myrtles are highly resistant to mildew. With some other varieties, mildew can be a problem. However, pruning out branches that cross over other branches (thinning) promotes air flow and reduces susceptibility to mildew. Another problem with this specimen is its proclivity to draw aphids. Honeydew drops from aphids are not only unsightly on the plants themselves but also get all over your car, deck and patio.

Crape myrtle trees usually produce multiple main stems. Many people, seeking to restrict the growth of the plants, prune crape myrtle trees back severely in winter, in order to limit the plants to one main stem. But such pruning diminishes their appearance and should be avoided in favor of selecting dwarf varieties. For non-dwarf varieties, limit your pruning to the "thinning" that I have described above.

Remove spent flower heads throughout summer (a process known as "deadheading") to "trick" crape myrtle trees into continuing to bloom even more profusely. Also remove any suckers that appear. You may also find volunteer seedlings popping up all over your lawn, which mean extra weeding for you (unless you wish to transplant them).