Lagerstroemia Fauriei 'Kiowa'
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Crape Myrtle ‘Kiowa’
Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia fauriei 'Kiowa'
Family: Lythraceae
Origin: Japan (East Asia)
Plant Type: Deciduous tree
Overview
A premium white-flowering crape myrtle prized for its huge summer blooms, brilliant autumn colour and handsome, mottled bark. ‘Kiowa’ brings four seasons of show—perfect as a standout feature or elegant avenue tree in South Australian gardens. Naturally powdery-mildew resistant, heat tolerant and low-maintenance once established.
Key Features
- Mature Size: 6–9 m H × 4–6 m W (upright, spreading canopy)
- Growth Rate: 40-60 cm per year under good conditions
- Foliage: Glossy mid-green; turns orange, red and burgundy in autumn
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Flowers: Large conical panicles of pure white blooms in summer
- Seasonal Interest: Summer flowers → autumn foliage → winter bark – year-round appeal
- Wildlife Value: Nectar for bees and butterflies; bird-friendly habitat
- Tolerance: Heat and drought once established; light frost; excellent mildew resistance
- Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: 1 tree per 16-25 m² (4-5 m apart), depending on desired canopy
- Pet Friendly: Generally regarded as non-toxic to pets
Where It Works Best
- Sunlight: Full sun (essential for best flowering and compact growth)
- 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; light shape prune in late winter; remove spent flower clusters to encourage extra blooms; fertilise in early spring
- Lifespan: 25-50 years
- Climate Zones: Ideal for temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including inland heat and urban sites
- Soil pH: Slightly acid to neutral is ideal (tolerates mildly alkaline if well-drained)
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Statement feature tree near lawns, courtyards or driveways where summer flowers and patterned bark can be admired up close
- Avenues and street plantings: Upright habit and strong limbs make ‘Kiowa’ superb for lining boundaries and long drives
- Heat-smart planting: Pair with grasses and drought-tolerant perennials for a water-wise, modern summer display
Why You Will Love It
‘Kiowa’ delivers show-stopping white blooms through summer, fiery autumn colour, and decorative bark through winter—so your garden looks curated all year. It’s tough, sun-loving and mildew-resistant, meaning less fuss and more consistent performance even in hot SA conditions. A true investment tree that adds value, shade and seasonal drama with minimal effort.