Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia 'Acoma')
Lagerstroemia 'Acoma' crape myrtle offers showy white summer blooms, excellent mildew resistance, and adapts well to tough urban conditions.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’ crape myrtle is highly valued by gardeners for its ability to produce abundant, showy white flowers throughout the heat of summer extending into early fall. As a mildew-resistant hybrid developed by the National Arboretum, this cultivar offers significant aesthetic appeal with reduced maintenance compared to older varieties. Its multi-stemmed habit, attractive exfoliating gray bark, and dark green foliage turning reddish-purple in autumn provide year-round interest.
This deciduous shrub reaches maturity between 2 and 10 feet tall and wide, making it versatile for various landscape applications, though its size can be variable depending on winter survival in colder regions. Successful cultivation of Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’ relies on planting in full, hot sun where it can thrive, even in challenging soils.
Gardeners appreciate this specific crape myrtle for its reliability in flowering and its tough nature, tolerating drought and urban pollution once established. Whether used as a specimen or incorporated into shrub borders, Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’ brings classic Southern charm, even to borderline climates.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Lythraceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-10 ft
- Spread: 2-10 ft
- Bloom Time: July to September
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Plant the Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’ in full sun, which is essential for maximizing its summer bloom display. It prefers average, medium-moisture, well-drained soils and performs admirably in loamy or clay soils provided drainage is adequate. Choose a protected planting location, minimizing exposure to harsh winter winds, and consider applying a winter mulch in colder zones.
Water deeply, especially during dry spells, focusing moisture at the root zone rather than wetting the foliage, which helps prevent fungal issues. Fertilize sparingly with a slow-release fertilizer; overly rich soils often promote excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers and can sometimes increase susceptibility to winter injury.
Pruning needs vary significantly by climate for this crape myrtle. In warmer zones (8-9), prune in late winter to maintain shape or remove dead wood. In regions prone to hard freezes (like Zone 5-6), gardeners often treat Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’ like a butterfly bush, cutting all stems back to 8 inches in early spring, allowing new 2-4 foot flowering shoots to emerge from the hardier root system.
For acceptable woody shrub survival in Zone 5/6, prune only back to wood that appears visibly alive as new foliage emerges in spring, following the pattern used for shrub roses. This careful management determines whether you grow a small tree or a re-sprouting shrub.
Landscape Uses
The versatile size and strong flowering habit make Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’ an excellent choice for use as a specimen shrub, drawing attention to its white panicles and attractive bark structure. It functions beautifully when planted in groupings or incorporated into traditional shrub borders where its height complements lower-growing perennials.
In areas where winter dieback is anticipated, these plants perform well mixed into perennial borders, providing reliable summer height and color amongst herbaceous companions. In the warmer reaches of its range, the Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’ can serve a more formal role as a tall, informal hedge or privacy screen.
For a striking design element, group the white-flowering ‘Acoma’ near deep blue or purple blooming companions to create high contrast during the peak summer months. Its adaptability to clay and pollution also makes it a dependable street or foundation planting where many other ornamental shrubs struggle.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lagerstroemia is a genus highly regarded for its very showy, lovely summer to fall bloom that thrives in warm-temperate climates. The specific cultivar ‘Acoma’ is a hybrid known for being mildew resistant, boasting dark green foliage and terminal panicles of crepe-papery white flowers from mid-summer until fall. A significant feature for cold-climate gardeners is its exfoliating gray bark which matures beautifully, contrasting against snow or dark winter structures.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Clay Soil
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
The chief concerns when growing crape myrtles are diseases and winter hardiness issues. While ‘Acoma’ has excellent inherent mildew resistance, gardeners should remain vigilant for fungal leaf spot, treating affected leaves promptly. Foliage can exhibit yellowing (chlorosis) if the planting site has very alkaline soils, indicating nutrient uptake issues.
Insect pests such as aphids and scale occasionally target crape myrtles, but damage is usually manageable through horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps, especially if the plant is kept well-watered but not overly fertilized. The greatest threat remains winter injury in USDA Zones 5 and 6, where top growth may die back to the ground, requiring the pruning strategies detailed above to encourage re-sprouting for next season’s blooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Crape myrtle suitable for?
Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9. Gardeners in Zone 5 should anticipate significant top-growth dieback during harsh winters.
How large does Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’ grow?
This multi-stemmed shrub typically matures to a height and spread ranging between 2 and 10 feet, although specific growth rates depend on winter survival in the region.
What sun exposure does Crape myrtle need?
For the best performance and heaviest bloom set, Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’ requires full sun exposure throughout the day.
When does Crape myrtle bloom?
This variety produces its showy white flowers beginning in July and continues blooming profusely until September.
Conclusion
The Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’ crape myrtle stands out due to its reliability, its sought-after white summer flowers, and superior mildew resistance. This adaptable plant thrives in sun and handles poor soil conditions, making it a staple ornamental. Before planting, always confirm your local USDA hardiness zone to manage winter expectations and ensure this beautiful shrub provides season-long enjoyment.
Seasonal Care Calendar
This section focuses on proactively managing your Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’ throughout the year to maximize health and minimize problems. Consistent seasonal attention ensures this crape myrtle rewards you generously with white blooms.
For late winter or very early spring, assess your plant’s condition. In colder zones (6 and below), prune out any visibly dead wood or cut stems back hard to encourage vigorous new growth that will flower in the current season. Avoid heavy fertilization at this time, as it encourages tender new growth that is susceptible to cold snaps.
Summer is the critical period for watering and observing for pests. Maintain a deep, medium watering schedule, especially during dry spells, but ensure moisture drains well away from the roots. Monitor leaf surfaces for any signs of fungal spots, removing heavily infected leaves if practical and ensuring good air circulation around the shrub.
In autumn, allow the plant to harden off naturally; cease heavy watering by late summer. The foliage of Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’ often puts on a nice dull red or reddish-purple display before dropping, signaling the plant is preparing for dormancy. Apply a winter mulch around the base after the ground freezes if you are in Zones 6 or 7 to buffer the roots against extreme temperature fluctuations.
Companion Planting Ideas
Due to its sun requirements and adaptability to clay soils, Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’ pairs well with other drought-tolerant, sun-loving plants common in mixed borders. Consider pairing it with hardy perennials that offer contrasting textures or bloom times.
Contrast the fine texture of the crape myrtle blooms with the bold foliage of large ornamental grasses, such as Panicum virgatum varieties, which add vertical interest behind the shrub structure. Alternatively, place lower-growing, heat-tolerant groundcovers like hardy Sedums or creeping Phlox beneath the canopy to suppress weeds near the base.
For color synergy, plant companions that bloom before or after the white summer flowers of the Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’. Coneflowers (Echinacea) or perennial Salvias blooming earlier in the season provide excellent mid-summer color competition, while fall-blooming Asters or Gossamer Blue Plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides) can beautifully frame the plant as its flowering season concludes.
