Lagerstroemia Indica 'Acoma'

Weeping White Crepe Myrtle

Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia indica 'Acoma'
Family: Lythraceae
Origin: East Asia
Plant Type: Deciduous small tree / large shrub

Overview

‘Acoma’ is a compact, semi-weeping crape myrtle that delivers big summer flower power on a smaller frame. Clouds of pure white, crepe-textured panicles sit over fresh mid-green foliage that turns orange–red in autumn, then smooth, mottled bark carries the show through winter. Bred for heat and mildew resistance, it’s superb for South Australian courtyards, streetscapes and feature pots.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 2-3 m H x 2-3 m W (broad, graceful habit)
• Growth Rate: 30-50 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Mid-green in spring/summer; brilliant orange, red and burgundy in autumn
• Flowers: Large white clusters, long lasting; lightly fragrant
  
• Seasonal Interest: Summer–autumn flowers → autumn colour → ornamental bark in winter
• Wildlife Value: Nectar for bees & butterflies; good for pollinators
• Tolerance: Heat- and drought-tolerant once established; light frost hardy; wind- and coastal-tolerant; copes with clay if free-draining
• Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: 1 tree per 9-16 m² (2.5-3.5 m apart), depending on mature canopy
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (best flowering); tolerates part shade
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or clay loam
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8-12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10-14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; prune in late winter to shape and encourage strong new flowering wood; optional light deadheading to extend bloom
• Lifespan: 25-50 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Acid, neutral or mildly alkaline

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Small feature tree for courtyards, front gardens and lawn pockets—showy bloom with minimal footprint
• Driveway or path punctuation: plant at regular intervals for a white summer avenue and fiery autumn display
• Large decorative pots on patios and poolside; pair with silver/grey groundcovers or ornamental grasses for a modern, drought-smart look

Why You Will Love It

‘Acoma’ gives you months of colour with almost no fuss. You’ll enjoy snow-white blooms in the height of summer, glowing autumn foliage, and handsome bark when everything else is bare—true four-season appeal. Tough, sun-loving and compact, it’s an easy way to add a designer feature to any size garden.