James Burghardt
Family
Lythraceae
Botanical Name
LAGERSTROEMIA 'Acoma'
Plant Common Name
Acoma Crapemyrtle, Hybrid Crapemyrtle
General Description
The ‘Acoma’ crapemyrtle is a mildew-resistant hybrid deciduous shrub with showy white flowers and reddish purple autumn color. It is a rounded large shrub or small tree, with gently arching branches, and is best used as a specimen. To form a classic tree shape, the lowest branches must be removed. The bark is exfoliating, exposing the smooth underbark that is creamy tan and beige.
Like other crapemyrtles ‘Acoma’ should be planted in a well drained soil with an acidic to neutral range of pH. Full sun is mandatory for best flowering and overall plant fullness and form. This shrub is quite drought tolerant once established. Pruning should only be done on the small spent branch tips after the initial summer flowering. Often a smaller, second flowering can result by early autumn. The practice of severely pruning the crowns of crapemyrtles, often called hat-racking, is a bad and unhealthy landscaper’s habit.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
11 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 10
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
10'-12' / 3.0m - 3.7m
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Width
12'-14' / 3.7m - 4.3m
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam
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Tolerances
Pollution, Drought, Soil Compaction
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Arching/Fountain-shaped
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Green, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Purple, Dark Red
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Bark Color
Tan, Sandy Brown, Gray
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Bark Color Modifier
Multi-Color
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
Yes
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No