White Crape Myrtle

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Tree
Plant Height: 20-30 feet
Spread: 15-20 feet
Flower Color: White
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

White Crape Myrtle: Elegant Summer Blooms for Arizona Landscapes

The Natchez Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia natchez) is renowned for its abundant clusters of pure white flowers and attractive cinnamon-brown bark. One of the tallest Crape Myrtle varieties, this tree offers extended seasonal interest with blooms, striking bark, and vibrant fall color. Its upright, vase-shaped form and reliable performance in Arizona’s heat make it a stunning focal point in any landscape.

Key Features of White Crape Myrtle

Abundant White Blooms: From summer into fall, Natchez Crape Myrtle produces showy, long-lasting panicles of crisp white flowers that brighten any yard.

Year-Round Beauty: Beyond flowers, the tree displays smooth, exfoliating bark with cinnamon-red tones, and foliage that shifts to fiery orange and red hues in autumn.

Large Ornamental Shade Tree: Reaching 20–30 feet tall, it provides filtered shade while maintaining a graceful shape, ideal for patios, gardens, and property borders.

Heat & Drought Resilient: Thrives in Arizona’s hot, dry climate with minimal maintenance once established.

Growing and Care Tips

• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates clay and sandy soils.
• Water: Moderate watering needed during establishment; drought-tolerant when mature.
• Fertilizer: Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring for vigorous growth and flowering.
• Pruning: Light pruning in winter or early spring encourages a strong shape and prolific blooms.

Landscaping Uses

• Specimen Tree: Perfect as a dramatic centerpiece in front yards or entryways.
• Shade Provider: Creates a wide canopy for comfortable outdoor spaces.
• Street or Driveway Tree: Excellent for lining driveways or boulevards with uniform elegance.
• Mixed Plantings: Complements desert-adapted shrubs, grasses, and groundcovers.

Summary

The White Natchez Crape Myrtle offers a combination of elegance, durability, and seasonal beauty. With its snow-white flowers, striking bark, and brilliant fall foliage, it brings year-round charm to Arizona gardens. Hardy, low-maintenance, and heat tolerant, it is a timeless choice for homeowners seeking an ornamental shade tree.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):

White Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia natchez) Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun (6–8+ hours of direct sunlight daily)
Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred
Spacing: Plant 15–20 feet apart to accommodate mature spread
Planting Depth: Keep root ball level with surrounding soil
Support: Stake young trees for 12–18 months until roots anchor firmly

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Saturate root ball and soil immediately after planting.
• Frequency: Every 2–3 days for the first 2–3 weeks.
• Amount: Provide 5–10 gallons per watering session for young trees.

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: 3–4 months after planting, once roots spread into surrounding soil.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 7–10 days. Increase to every 5–7 days when temperatures exceed 105°F.
• Winter: Water every 3–4 weeks depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place emitters 18–24 inches from trunk.
• Flow Rate: Use 2–4 gallons per hour emitters.
• Number of Emitters: 2–3 for young trees, more as canopy matures.
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, water weekly; in winter, reduce to once every 3–4 weeks.

General Watering Tips for Crape Myrtles

• Soil Check: Test soil 4–6 inches deep before watering.
• Avoid Overwatering: Ensure soil drains well to prevent root issues.
• Mulch: Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and protect roots, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk.