Lagerstroemia 'Natchez'
A fast-growing, large, upright deciduous tree, reaching up to approx 8 metres in height, with attractive cinnamon-brown bark which flakes to a paler grey-brown, and glossy dark green foliage turning to red and orange in the autumn. Dense panicles of white flowers with yellow stamens have fringed petals which make them look 'fluffy', flowering best in hot, dry summers. Good mildew resistance
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Orange Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Lythraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Lagerstroemia can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with simple leaves and conical panicles of flowers with ruffled petals; some have attractive peeling bark
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, acid to neutral, well-drained soil in full sun. Hot summers are needed for best flowering
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring, or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 1, but will tolerate hard pruning if needed
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly if grown indoors
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
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