Crepe Myrtle ‘Acoma’ (Lagerstroemia indica × fauriei) | White Flowering 50mm Tube

Bring brilliant white summer colour and year-round ornamental interest to the garden with Crepe Myrtle ‘Acoma’, a compact, spreading cultivar admired for its abundant flowers, attractive autumn foliage and decorative peeling bark.

During summer, ‘Acoma’ produces large panicles of pure-white, crepe-textured flowers with prominent golden stamens. Its low, spreading branches create a softly rounded to semi-pendulous form, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, courtyards, feature planting and large containers.

The glossy green foliage develops rich burgundy, purple-red and bronze tones before falling in autumn. As the plant matures, its outer bark begins to exfoliate, revealing smooth grey-brown tones beneath and providing additional winter interest.

‘Acoma’ was selected for its improved resistance to powdery mildew and is smaller-growing than many traditional Crepe Myrtle varieties.

EXAMPLE IMAGE ONLY: Images show an example of the mature plant, flowers and foliage. The supplied product is a young plant growing in a 50mm nursery tube—not a mature or flowering specimen. Flowering, autumn colour, plant size and growth habit will vary according to climate, season and growing conditions.

Flower, Foliage and Bark Characteristics

• Abundant pure-white flowers

• Crinkled, crepe-like petals

• Large flower panicles with prominent golden stamens

• Flowers during summer and into early autumn

• Glossy green foliage during the growing season

• Burgundy, purple-red and bronze autumn colour

• Attractive exfoliating bark as the plant matures

• Smooth grey to light brown underbark

• Low-spreading, rounded to semi-pendulous habit

• Multi-stemmed shrub or compact ornamental tree

• Improved resistance to powdery mildew

Supplied in a 50mm Tube

Supplied as a healthy young Crepe Myrtle ‘Acoma’ plant growing in a 50mm nursery tube.

The 50mm measurement refers to the width of the nursery container—not the plant’s height or spread.

Plant height, branching, foliage and root development will vary naturally according to the growing season and production cycle. Plants supplied during winter may be dormant or have few to no leaves because this variety is deciduous.

Key Features

• Named Crepe Myrtle cultivar ‘Acoma’

• Compact hybrid of Lagerstroemia indica and Lagerstroemia fauriei

• Pure-white summer flowers

• Long seasonal flowering display

• Attractive golden flower stamens

• Burgundy and purple-red autumn foliage

• Decorative peeling bark develops with maturity

• Compact, spreading growth habit

• Approximately 3–3.5m high and wide when mature

• Suitable for smaller gardens

• Can be maintained as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree

• Improved powdery mildew resistance

• Heat tolerant once established

• Moderately drought tolerant once established

• Suitable for large containers

• Supplied as a young plant in a 50mm tube

Suitable Uses

• Feature planting

• Small ornamental trees

• White flowering gardens

• Cottage gardens

• Courtyards

• Front gardens

• Driveway and entrance planting

• Informal screening

• Lawn specimens

• Mixed shrub borders

• Large pots and containers

• Summer flowering displays

• Autumn colour gardens

• Gardens requiring ornamental winter bark

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

Planting Instructions

Plant Crepe Myrtle ‘Acoma’ into well-prepared, free-draining soil.

Choose a position that allows enough room for its naturally spreading canopy to develop. Although it can be pruned, selecting an appropriately sized planting position will allow the plant to develop its most attractive natural form.

Before planting, water the plant thoroughly and allow it to drain.

Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the existing root system. Carefully remove the plant from its tube while keeping the roots and growing medium together.

Position the plant so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently, firm the soil lightly and water thoroughly.

Apply mulch around the planting area while leaving a clear space around the trunk or stems.

Care Instructions

Position

Grow Crepe Myrtle ‘Acoma’ in full sun for the strongest growth, best flowering and most compact form.

A position receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight each day is recommended. Plants grown in excessive shade may produce fewer flowers, softer growth and a less balanced shape.

Good sunlight and airflow also help reduce the likelihood of fungal problems.

Soil

Plant in fertile, free-draining soil.

‘Acoma’ can adapt to a range of soil types once established, but it should not be planted in ground that remains continually waterlogged.

Improve poor soil with compost or well-aged organic matter before planting. In heavy clay, improve drainage and consider planting slightly above the surrounding soil level.

Watering

Water regularly while the young plant establishes.

Provide deep watering rather than frequent light applications, encouraging the roots to develop into the surrounding soil. Allow the upper soil surface to begin drying between applications.

Once established, Crepe Myrtles have moderate drought tolerance, although additional watering during prolonged hot or dry conditions will support stronger growth and flowering.

Container-grown plants will require more frequent watering than plants growing in the ground.

Feeding

Apply a balanced, controlled-release fertiliser during spring as new growth begins.

Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage lush foliage at the expense of flowers. Always follow the fertiliser label directions and water thoroughly after application.

A light application of flowering-tree fertiliser may be beneficial before the main growing season.

Mulching

Apply a layer of organic mulch around the root zone to help conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature and suppress weeds.

Keep the mulch several centimetres away from the trunk and lower stems. Continually piling mulch against the plant can retain excess moisture and encourage damage.

Pruning

Crepe Myrtle ‘Acoma’ naturally develops an attractive spreading form and generally requires only light pruning.

During late winter, remove:

• Dead or damaged branches

• Weak or crossing growth

• Unwanted basal suckers

• Branches growing towards the centre

• Low branches where additional clearance is required

Avoid repeatedly cutting the main branches back to thick stubs. Severe topping can produce weak, crowded shoots and spoil the plant’s natural shape.

If training the plant as a small tree, gradually select the strongest main stems and remove unwanted lower growth over several seasons.

Powdery Mildew Resistance

‘Acoma’ has improved resistance to powdery mildew compared with many older Crepe Myrtle varieties.

Resistance does not mean complete immunity. Provide full sun, good airflow and appropriate spacing, and avoid continually wetting the foliage late in the day.

Climate

Crepe Myrtle ‘Acoma’ performs well in temperate, warm-temperate and many subtropical Australian climates.

It benefits from warm summers and can tolerate winter cold once established. Protect newly planted 50mm-tube plants from severe frost until they have developed a stronger root system.

The plant is deciduous and will naturally lose its leaves during autumn and winter.

Container Growing

‘Acoma’ can be grown in a large container, particularly while young.

Use a premium, free-draining potting mix and a stable container with adequate drainage holes. Increase the container size gradually as the root system develops.

Container-grown plants require regular watering, seasonal feeding and occasional root or canopy management. Long-term container growing may keep the plant smaller than its normal garden size.

Product Details

Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia indica × fauriei ‘Acoma’
Often Sold As: Lagerstroemia indica ‘Acoma’
Cultivar: ‘Acoma’
Common Name: Acoma Crepe Myrtle
Family: Lythraceae
Plant Type: Deciduous flowering shrub or compact ornamental tree
Supply Format: Young plant growing in a 50mm nursery tube
Flower Colour: Pure white with golden stamens
Flowering Period: Summer to early autumn
Foliage: Glossy green with burgundy, purple-red and bronze autumn tones
Bark: Exfoliating grey to light brown bark developing with maturity
Growth Habit: Low-spreading, rounded and semi-pendulous
Mature Height: Approximately 3–3.5m
Mature Width: Approximately 3–3.5m
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Position: Full sun
Soil: Fertile and free-draining
Water Needs: Regular while establishing; moderate to lower once established
Climate: Temperate, warm-temperate and suitable subtropical conditions
Frost Tolerance: Frost tolerant once established; protect very young plants from severe frost
Disease Resistance: Improved resistance to powdery mildew
End Use: Feature planting, small gardens, courtyards, informal screens and large containers

Important Information

• The accepted hybrid name is Lagerstroemia indica × fauriei ‘Acoma’

• It may also be sold under the simplified name Lagerstroemia indica ‘Acoma’

• The supplied product is a young plant growing in a 50mm nursery tube

• The 50mm measurement refers to the container—not the plant’s height

• The plant is not guaranteed to arrive flowering

• Plant height, branching and root development will vary naturally

• This variety is deciduous and may arrive with few or no leaves during winter

• White flowering panicles appear as the plant matures

• Autumn foliage colour varies with climate and seasonal conditions

• Decorative exfoliating bark becomes more noticeable as the plant ages

• Mature dimensions vary according to climate, soil, water and pruning

• Improved powdery mildew resistance does not mean complete immunity

• Plants may be lightly pruned before dispatch to support safe packaging and healthy growth

FAQ

What colour are Crepe Myrtle ‘Acoma’ flowers?

‘Acoma’ produces pure-white, crepe-textured flowers with prominent golden stamens. The flowers are carried in large panicles during summer and may continue into early autumn.

How large does Crepe Myrtle ‘Acoma’ grow?

Under suitable conditions, it generally reaches approximately 3–3.5m high and a similar width. Its final size will depend on climate, soil, water availability and pruning.

Is ‘Acoma’ smaller than other Crepe Myrtles?

Yes. ‘Acoma’ is a compact, semi-dwarf cultivar with a low-spreading habit. It is considerably smaller than large Crepe Myrtle varieties that can grow into substantial trees.

Is Crepe Myrtle ‘Acoma’ deciduous?

Yes. It naturally loses its leaves during autumn and winter. Plants purchased during dormancy may arrive with bare branches, which is normal and does not indicate that the plant is unhealthy.

Will the supplied plant be flowering?

Not necessarily. The product is a young plant growing in a 50mm tube. Flowering begins as the plant develops sufficient maturity and will depend on the season and growing conditions.

Does ‘Acoma’ need full sun?

Yes. Full sun is recommended for strong growth, abundant flowering, richer autumn colour and improved airflow. Excessive shade may reduce flowering.

Is ‘Acoma’ resistant to powdery mildew?

It has improved resistance to powdery mildew compared with many traditional Crepe Myrtle cultivars. However, no plant should be considered completely immune, so good sunlight, airflow and appropriate watering remain important.

Can Crepe Myrtle ‘Acoma’ be grown in a pot?

Yes. Its compact habit makes it suitable for a large, well-drained container. It will require regular watering, feeding and eventual repotting or root management.

Should Crepe Myrtle ‘Acoma’ be heavily pruned?

No. Light structural pruning is generally sufficient. Remove dead, damaged, crossing or unwanted branches during late winter, but avoid severely topping the main framework.