Crape Myrtle ‘Natchez’ (Lagerstroemia indica × fauriei)
 
‘Natchez’ is a vigorous hybrid crape myrtle prized for its bright white flowers, glossy foliage, and smooth, cinnamon-colored bark that exfoliates beautifully with age. Though larger than most dwarf cultivars, it can be trained into an elegant garden specimen or a striking large-scale bonsai for those with the space and patience.
 
As a Bonsai:
While ‘Natchez’ has larger leaves and strong growth, it offers unique visual payoff—showy flowers, striking bark, and reliable backbudding after pruning. Best suited for medium to large bonsai styles, especially for growers interested in flowering trees with character and presence.
 
📢 This is a cold-hardy species—it requires a winter dormancy and should be kept outside year-round. In locations with extreme cold, we recommend placing it on the ground, mulching around the pot, and protecting it from wind. Additional cold protection may be necessary for Crape Myrtles depending on your climate. 
 
Plant Features:
Hardiness Zone: 6–9 (cold-hardy and requires winter dormancy)
Growth Habit: Upright and spreading, with a broad canopy
Mature Size: 20–30 ft tall in the landscape; best used for larger bonsai
Foliage: Glossy green leaves with vibrant orange-red fall color
Flowers: Large clusters of crisp white flowers mid-to-late summer
Bark: Cinnamon-colored bark exfoliates in patches, revealing smooth, mottled wood
Sun Requirements: Full sun
Soil Type: Well-draining; adapts to a wide range of soil conditions
Water Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Special Features: Striking bark, reliable flowering, vivid fall color, great for bold bonsai designs