Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’
Elegant White Crepe Myrtle with Graceful Form and Long Summer Flowering
Overview
Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’ is a refined cultivar of Crepe Myrtle, valued for its soft white flowers, graceful branching structure, and excellent disease resistance. It is widely regarded as one of the best white-flowering varieties, combining ornamental appeal with strong landscape performance.
This deciduous small tree or large shrub is particularly suited to residential streetscapes, feature planting, and commercial landscapes where a clean, architectural form with seasonal interest is required. Its slightly weeping habit distinguishes it from more upright crepe myrtles, creating a softer, more flowing silhouette.
Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’ provides multi-season appeal, with long-lasting summer flowers, attractive bark, and autumn foliage colour, making it a versatile and high-value landscape tree.
Key Features
• Pure white crepe-style flowers
• Long flowering period through summer
• Graceful, slightly weeping habit
• Attractive smooth, mottled bark
• Good resistance to powdery mildew
• Suitable for feature planting or avenue use
• Deciduous with seasonal colour changes
Botanical Characteristics
Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’ produces clusters of crinkled, crepe-textured flowers in soft white tones. These flowers appear in large panicles at the ends of branches, creating a layered canopy effect.
The foliage consists of small, oval leaves that emerge green and transition to warm tones of orange and red in autumn before dropping in winter. The bark is smooth and exfoliating, revealing a mottled pattern of grey, beige, and brown, which adds visual interest during the dormant season.
Growth Habit
Structural Growth Pattern
This cultivar forms a small tree with a broad, spreading canopy and slightly arching branches. It can be grown as a multi-stemmed specimen or trained into a single trunk form depending on design requirements.
Its open branching allows light to filter through, making it suitable for planting over lawns or understory plantings.
Growth Habit Chart
| Growth Stage |
Height / Spread |
Characteristics |
| Establishment (1–2 yrs) |
1–2 m growth |
Upright development, initial branching |
| Early maturity (3–5 yrs) |
3–5 m |
Expanding canopy, increased flowering |
| Mature plant (5+ yrs) |
5–7 m height / 4–6 m spread |
Full canopy, strong flowering display |
Seasonal Interest Chart
| Season |
Visual Impact |
| Spring |
Fresh green foliage emergence |
| Summer |
Abundant white flowering |
| Autumn |
Orange to red foliage tones |
| Winter |
Decorative bark and branch structure |
Landscape Applications
Feature Tree
Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’ is commonly used as a focal tree in gardens due to its elegant form and seasonal variation.
Avenue and Street Planting
Its manageable size and clean trunk structure make it suitable for:
• Street planting
• Driveway lining
• Formal avenue designs
Courtyards and Small Spaces
The moderate size and open canopy allow it to be used in smaller gardens without overwhelming the space.
Underplanting Opportunities
The filtered shade beneath the canopy allows for layered planting beneath the tree.
Light Requirements
Requires full sun for optimal flowering.
• Minimum 6–8 hours of direct sunlight
• Reduced flowering in shaded conditions
Soil and Planting Conditions
Adaptable to a range of soil types.
Preferred Conditions
• Well-drained soil
• Tolerates sandy and loamy soils
• Handles moderate urban conditions
Watering Requirements
Moderate watering during establishment, with good drought tolerance once mature.
Watering Chart
| Stage |
Frequency |
| Newly planted |
2–3 times per week |
| Establishing |
Weekly deep watering |
| Mature plant |
Occasional watering in extended dry periods |
Growth Rate
Moderate to fast growth rate.
• Faster in warm climates with regular watering
• Slower in cooler regions
Pruning and Maintenance
Requires minimal pruning once established.
Maintenance Practices
• Remove crossing or damaged branches
• Light shaping in winter
• Train structure when young
Pest and Disease Resistance
Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’ is known for improved resistance to common issues such as powdery mildew.
This results in:
• Cleaner foliage
• Reduced maintenance requirements
• Better performance in humid conditions
Root System
Non-invasive root system, suitable for urban planting when given adequate space.
Spacing Guide
| Application |
Spacing Recommendation |
| Avenue planting |
4–6 m apart |
| Feature planting |
3–5 m clearance |
| Group planting |
3–4 m apart |
Design Integration
Modern Landscapes
Provides a clean, sculptural tree form with seasonal interest.
Coastal and Urban Projects
Performs well in a variety of environmental conditions.
Residential Gardens
Ideal for adding height and structure without excessive bulk.
Advantages
• Long flowering period
• Elegant, slightly weeping form
• Attractive bark in winter
• Good disease resistance
• Suitable for a wide range of applications
Considerations
• Requires full sun for best performance
• Deciduous (loses leaves in winter)
• Needs space to develop canopy
Ideal Use Cases
• Feature tree in gardens
• Street and avenue planting
• Courtyard focal point
• Underplanted landscape designs
• Commercial landscape applications
Summary
Lagerstroemia ‘Acoma’ is a high-performing ornamental tree that delivers multi-season interest, graceful structure, and reliable flowering. Its white blooms, attractive bark, and adaptable nature make it a standout choice for both residential and commercial landscapes.
With minimal maintenance and strong visual impact, it serves as a versatile feature tree that enhances outdoor spaces throughout the year.
