Lagerstroemia Indica 'Kiowa'

Crepe Myrtle 'Kiowa'

Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia indica 'Kiowa'
Family: Lythraceae
Origin: East Asia (Japan)
Plant Type: Deciduous tree

Overview

A premium avenue and feature crape myrtle famed for its brilliant white summer blooms, glossy mid-green foliage with rich autumn colour, and show-stopping, cinnamon–cream mottled bark that looks good all year. ‘Kiowa’ forms a graceful, broad canopy that delivers shade and street-tree presence with minimal fuss in South Australian gardens.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 7-10 m H x 5-7 m W
• Growth Rate: 30-50 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Mid green, turning gold, orange and red in autumn; beautiful smooth, peeling bark in winter
• Flowers: Huge trusses of pure white blooms for 10–12 weeks in summer—a real street-stopper and bee magnet.
  
• Seasonal Interest: True 4-season performer—spring flush, summer flowers, autumn colour, winter bark.
• Wildlife Value: Nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies and small birds
• Tolerance: Handles heat, drought and coastal conditions once established; naturally powdery-mildew resistant
• Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: 1 tree per 25-50 m² (5-7 m apart), depending on mature canopy
• Pet Friendly: Generally regarded as non-toxic to pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (best flowering); tolerates light part shade
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or clay loam; avoid waterlogging
• 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 winter prune to shape and remove old seed heads; fertilise lightly in early spring
• Lifespan: 25-50+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Acid to alkaline (adaptable)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Premium avenue or driveway: space 5–7 m apart for sweeping canopies and showy winter bark
• Hero lawn specimen: one tree delivers summer shade, autumn colour and year-round trunk drama
• Back-of-border anchor: pairs beautifully with dark evergreens and pale perennials for contrast

Why You Will Love It

Enjoy three seasons of impact—summer flowers, autumn colour, winter bark—from a tough, low-care tree that loves SA conditions. ‘Kiowa’ adds instant street appeal and long-term value, making it a smart choice for both home gardens and landscape projects.