Since relocating to Natchez, a little over a year, I found myself consistently reminded of my home – the Virgin Islands – due to the many striking similarities. If it’s not for the friendly nature of everyone who hardly passes you without a good morning, or good afternoon, or the fact that I can enjoy moonlights with the chorus line of crickets, dew on the morning grass, quiet neighborhoods, no lines, except at Walmart on a Friday afternoon, or the constant flow of traffic due to a few traffic lights, Natchez makes me feel right at home.
Last year during my first summer here I kept seeing this tree with classic white flower clusters adorning its’ beautifully shape that almost totally replaced the green leaves. It reminded me of our national plant – the White Cedar, and once again made me feel right at home here in Natchez. It is the same as when the White Cedar is in bloom, I can’t help but drive around the island taking pictures of its magnificence. I found myself doing the same thing with this absolutely stunning plant which name I didn’t know at the time. So, I asked, and I was told it is called the Crepe Myrtle, and that this is its season. This prompted me to go searching for more information.
My first observation for which some clarity is needed is the spelling of the name. In some cases, it is either spelled Crepe or Crape Myrtle, and I cannot help you with which is the correct one, except that it’s pronounced the same either way you spell it. However, for this article I decided to go with Crepe Myrtle simply because ‘when in Rome’.
Secondly, I learned that Natchez has the largest collection of Crepe Myrtles nationwide (over 10,000 and counting) and that there is an annual festival called the Natchez International Crepe Festival celebrating the five months that these resplendent flowers are in bloom, with a few self-guided free tours you can enjoy during your time in Natchez.
July 8: Blooms Bash celebration:
Enjoy sipping and strolling in Natchez, while feasting your eyes and mouth on the largest and most enchanting Crepe Myrtle in the city. It starts with a kickoff at Locust Alley, located in downtown Natchez. 5 pm–7 pm.
July 9: Celebrate the Blooms on Broadway:
Visit the Natchez Farmers Market to learn more about this magical plant. In that area (The Bluff) you can see the white, red and pink blooms.
Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens: Head up the hill to Monmouth’s luscious gardens, which are even more stunning this time of year with bursting blooms on over one hundred crepe myrtle trees.
Duncan Park Golf Club:
Head on over to the Duncan Park Golf Club and take in the gorgeous landscape of the magnificent blooming crepes.
Historic Natchez City Cemetery:
This historical cemetery dating back 1822, is simply beautiful. You can drive or walk and see more than 490 crepe myrtles with a view of the city.
Bloom Drive:
This tour takes in the magnificent blooms at top gardens and sites beyond the downtown area.
About The Crepe Myrtle:
It is a small to medium sized shrub or tree with a variable, moderately dense habit, often multi-stemmed form. The showy white, pink, or red flowers have wrinkled petals like crepe paper and blooms for up to five months a year. When the blooming winds down, the show doesn’t stop! The dark green foliage changes in fall to yellows, oranges, and reds. The thin gray bark is exfoliating, exposing a smooth, vary-colored under bark ranging from brown to gray. The lush, green leaves morph into an absolutely stunning display of fiery orange-red in autumn. It is a beautiful look that gives this tree even more style and flair.
The plant needs a lot of moisture when it’s young. After it is established, it will tolerate drought and grow well in limited soil spaces. During the growing season, new growth can be pinched to increase flower number and branches. The branches will droop as the tree grows. The lower branches are often thin to show off the trunk form and color. Because pruning can significantly reduce cold hardiness, you should try to have it completed by early August. Plant 3-4 feet apart for a single row hedge.
I am so glad I asked about this amazing masterpiece, now I have a greater appreciation for this beautiful plant which is also touted for its pest, deer, and disease resistance and indeed its extended bloom time. The Natchez Crepe Myrtle is a must-have tree for it is virtually maintenance-free and needs little to no pruning to maintain its naturally stunning shape and fabulous form. Just plant this hardy plant in full sun and any well-draining soil and you are set. You will enjoy it for a lifetime!
ref: Arbor Day Foundation
