How big does a Natchez Crape Myrtle get?
With dwarf varieties of crape myrtles reaching up to 10 feet tall, the Natchez variety is considered a large variety, with a full-grown Natchez crape myrtle usually reaching up to 25 feet, and sometimes up to 35. It gets just about as wide, with a firm, arched crown. 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.The Natchez Crape myrtle is a deciduous/semi-evergreen plant that will go dormant during winter. Therefore, if you order this plant in the fall or winter, expect seasonal foliage decline (discoloration, spots, leaf drop) or the plant to arrive completely dormant.No additional winter care or protection is necessary for Crape Myrtle when grown in warmer climates. Cover the plant if possible to protect it from the elements should a rare weather event like a snow or ice storm happen.The Natchez is virtually maintenance-free. Just plant this hardy crape myrtle in full sun and any well-draining soil and you are set! No pruning needed to maintain the stunning shape. Let it grow naturally for a fabulous form.
Are Natchez crepe myrtles cold hardy?
The Natchez Crape myrtle size can grow up to be 25 t0 30 feet tall at maturity. The growth rate is up to 1-2 feet per year and it can grow very fast! Plant this crepe myrtle in full sun across the United States in USDA hardiness zones 7-10. It is slightly cold hardy in the Southern states. Fertilize in Spring Established, well rooted, Crape Myrtles are heavy feeders. Lightly fertilize every two weeks throughout the spring and summer months. This will promote optimal new growth. Remember, Crape Myrtles only bloom on new growth.The best time to plant Crape Myrtles is late fall or early spring. Planting in the fall allows the roots to establish themselves before winter dormancy, while early spring planting takes advantage of the upcoming growing season.Avoid sites that get less than 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily, also those that have shallow, rocky soils. Tall crape myrtles can be used as patio and entryway trees, along drives and walks and as tall, deciduous, screening shrubs along property lines.Contrary to common belief, aggressive pruning does not benefit crape myrtles. Instead, it shortens their lifespan, which should ideally span over 50 years in a landscape.
How fast do natchez Crape Myrtles grow?
The Natchez Crape grows rapidly at 3 to 5 feet a year and is tolerant of many climates. Through the toughest conditions and weather, the Natchez’ pure white blooms will explode in brilliance against the tree’s deep green canopy. The Natchez crape myrtle is a very fast grower, particularly in relation to its size. This tree can grow several feet per year, taking on three or four feet annually until it reaches its mature height.Common Crape Myrtle Care Questions Ensure the tree gets full sun — at least 6 hours of direct daily sun. Removing spent blooms in summer will often promote reblooming. Also, avoid overfertilizing, which leads to excessive leafy growth instead of flowers.Fall foliage of ‘Sarah’s Favorite’ is orange-red, while fall foliage of ‘Natchez’ is bronzy-gold. Both are resistant to powdery mildew, a common leaf disease of crape myrtles. Size: ‘Sarah’s Favorite’ grows about 18 to 20 feet tall by 12 feet wide in 20 years.The Natchez Crape grows rapidly at 3 to 5 feet a year and is tolerant of many climates. Through the toughest conditions and weather, the Natchez’ pure white blooms will explode in brilliance against the tree’s deep green canopy.The most common problems we see with crape myrtle can be “crape MURDER”, some leaf diseases, like powdery mildew, crape myrtle bark scale, aphids, and beetles.
What is the most beautiful crape myrtle?
Natchez Crape Myrtle This variety is also notable for its spectacular bark color in cinnamon brown, an unusual shade for Crape Myrtles and showy all year round. The fall leaves are yellow, orange and orange-red in color and make a spectacular display. Growth Rate: Crape myrtle generally grows at a medium to fast rate, adding 1’–2′ per year. Growth rates can vary depending on the variety, with some varieties growing much faster than others. Sun: Full sun is the ideal condition, meaning it should get at least 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.Don’t plant Crape Myrtles in shade. Crape Myrtles perform their best in 6+ hours of blistering full sun per day. Even light shade at various times during the day will greatly reduce flowering, cause the tree to appear thin, and force it to reach for the sun, creating a leggy look.Once established a couple of years, crape myrtles are some of our lowest-maintenance landscaping plants. Of course, the better the care you can provide for them, the more you’ll be rewarded in growth and bloom. Crape myrtles bloom on new growth, and new growth is dependent on moisture.At the start of summer it’s smooth, gray bark often peels off to expose a polished under-bark in various shades of brown. Ecosystem Service Value: Crape Myrtle primarily attracts bees and other pollinators. Birds often use this small tree for protection.The most common problems include powdery mildew, Cercospora leaf spot, aphids, Japanese beetles, and sooty mold. More information on successfully growing crape myrtles is available in HGIC 1008, Crape Myrtle, and HGIC 1009, Crape Myrtle Pruning.
What is the downside of crape myrtles?
Susceptibility to Certain Pests and Diseases Despite the availability of resistant cultivars, some Crepe Myrtles are still susceptible to pests like aphids and diseases such as powdery mildew. These issues can detract from the plant’s beauty and health if not managed properly. Crepe myrtles have a lifespan of around 25 years. However, some crepe myrtles have been known to live for 100 years or more! This tree does best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can withstand extreme heat.Crepe myrtle trees don’t necessarily require pruning every year. However, keep an eye out for suckers or crossing branches, which could have a long-term impact on the structure of your tree.
Are all Natchez crape myrtles white?
The Crape Myrtle Company One of our most popular Crape Myrtles, Natchez matures to 18ft tall and 15-18ft wide. Natchez boasts pure white flowers, but it best known for it’s beautiful cinnamon colored exfoliating bark. Basham’s Party Pink is the fastest growing Crape Myrtle Tree we have ever seen. It is not unusual for Basham’s Party Pink to grow 12 to 15 feet per year! It is a very full upright tree that grows to 30ft+ tall with a 20ft+ canopy. Its flowers can best be described as a pale pinkish with light lavender undertones.