Table of Contents
Introduction
The Acoma Crape Myrtle is a hybrid variation of Lagerstroemia, commonly referred to as the crape (or crepe) myrtle. This specific variety typically reaches a height of 10 to 15 feet, maintaining a more shrub-like growth pattern. It adds about 1 to 2 feet in height each year, and a well-cared-for crape myrtle can thrive for over 50 years. The Acoma Crape Myrtle exclusively produces white blossoms.
This crape myrtle variant is an excellent choice for planting in urban or suburban settings. Its compact size makes it well-suited for gardens, lawns, or as part of commercial landscaping projects. However, before planting, it’s crucial to ensure that the fully grown tree won’t pose any property-related issues since pruning the tree’s top to control its height is not recommended and can lead to the tree’s demise, a practice often referred to as “crape murder.”
Characteristics
Common Name and Botanical Aspects
- Common Name: Acoma Crape Myrtle, Acoma Crepe Myrtle
- Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia x ‘Acoma’
- Family: Lythraceae
- Plant Type: Tree
- Mature Size: 2-15 ft. tall, 2-10 ft. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Type: Well-draining
- Soil pH: Acidic, neutral
- Bloom Time: Spring, summer
- Flower Color: White
- Hardiness Zones: 7-9 (USDA)
- Native Area: Asia, Australia
Acoma Crape Myrtle Care
Cultivating the Acoma Crape Myrtle is a gratifying experience, as it yields graceful weeping branches adorned with lush foliage and delicate blossoms. This particular variety thrives in full sunlight and exhibits adaptability to various soil types, with minimal requirements for water and fertilizer.
Characterized by a moderate growth rate, you’ll have ample opportunity to witness the maturation of these trees. The Acoma Crape Myrtle flourishes with occasional pruning of its lower branches, ensuring its healthy development.
Light
Crape myrtles require full sun to unleash their full blooming potential. Renowned for their exquisite blossoms, it’s essential to maximize the floral spectacle by ensuring that your crape myrtle receives a minimum of six hours of sunlight daily.
Soil
Crape myrtles exhibit adaptability to a range of soil types, including loam, clay, or sandy soils, provided that the soil is well-draining. In terms of soil pH, these plants thrive in slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, although they can also tolerate slightly alkaline soils.
Water
Upon initial planting, the crape myrtle requires consistent watering as it establishes its roots. However, once it reaches maturity, these plants have low water requirements, thriving with approximately one inch of water per week.
They have demonstrated resilience to drought conditions; nevertheless, it’s important to note that insufficient water during the blooming season may lead to a less vibrant display of flowers. If feasible, consider supplementing natural rainfall with regular watering, especially during prolonged dry spells, to ensure optimal flower production.
Temperature and Humidity
Similar to other crape myrtle varieties that flourish in sunny and hot conditions, the Acoma crape myrtle thrives in warm climates and exhibits tolerance to both humidity and drought.
Conversely, it exhibits hardiness within USDA zones 7 to 9, and it can typically withstand temperatures as low as approximately zero degrees Fahrenheit with resilience.
Fertilizer
To ensure optimal flowering, you may find it necessary to fertilize your crape myrtle. While these plants can adapt to low-nutrient soil conditions, they do require an adequate supply of nitrogen to support flower production.
If your soil lacks nutrients, consider fertilizing your Acoma crape myrtle with a balanced formula, such as an 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 mixture. Apply the fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season and ensure it’s distributed promptly after rainfall or adequate watering.
While the right amount of fertilizer can enhance the beauty of your crape myrtle, excessive use can have negative consequences. Exercise caution to avoid overfeeding, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and a reduction in blossoms.
Varieties of Acoma Crape Myrtle
The Acoma crape myrtle is just one member of a genus that encompasses around 50 different species. When shopping at a nursery, you’ll typically encounter a cultivar or hybrid of a crape myrtle, although the label may simply read “crape myrtle.” Some of the most attractive crape myrtle varieties offer blossoms in hues other than white and exhibit variations in size and form. Here are a few examples of crape myrtle types:
- ‘Apalachee’ is renowned for its lovely lavender flowers and can reach a height of 15 feet.
- ‘Cherokee,’ ‘Dynamite,’ ‘Red Rocket,’ and ‘Cheyenne’ showcase striking red blossoms.
- ‘Seminole’ and ‘Choctaw’ display charming pink blooms.
- ‘Tuscarora’ features vibrant watermelon pink flowers followed by orange fall foliage, reaching heights of up to 23 feet.
- ‘Catawba’ boasts enchanting purple blooms and has a mature size of 10 to 15 feet in both height and width.
- ‘Muskogee’ can grow to 22 to 25 feet in both height and width, showcasing lavender-blue flowers and light gray bark.
Pruning
Maintaining the graceful shape of your Acoma crape myrtle is achieved through light pruning, ideally carried out in the spring before the branches become densely covered with foliage.
Given the petite nature of this hybrid variety, extensive pruning to control its height is generally unnecessary. However, you may choose to trim lower branches to showcase the appealing red-and-white smooth bark.
Encourage greater branching by pinching off new growth, promoting a fuller and more bushy appearance rather than excessive height. Additionally, removing spent blossoms will stimulate additional flowering in the future.
Propagating Acoma Crape Myrtle
The most effective method for propagating the Acoma crape myrtle is through cuttings, which can be either softwood or hardwood, in addition to root cuttings. Here are the steps to propagate using cuttings:
Use clean scissors or garden shears to obtain either hardwood or softwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings should be approximately 8 inches in length and are best taken when the tree has entered dormancy, typically in late fall. Softwood cuttings, on the other hand, should be acquired in spring or summer and should measure around 6 inches in length, featuring several nodes.
Plant the cutting in a container filled with high-quality potting soil, ensuring that about 1 inch of the cutting remains above the soil surface.
Maintain adequate soil moisture and place the container in a sunny location. Softwood cuttings typically show signs of new growth within about a month. Hardwood cuttings will exhibit slower growth and should not be ready for planting until the summer months.
Once the cutting has successfully rooted and displays new growth, it can be transplanted into the desired location. Be sure to water generously and position your new plant in an area with ample sunlight.
How to Grow Acoma Crape Myrtle From Seed
Crape myrtle seed pods, roughly the size of marbles, should be well-dried on the tree by autumn. To collect them, simply squeeze the seeds out of the pods and store them in a glass jar. Keep the jar in a cool, dry place throughout the winter months.
In the spring, prepare quart-size pots and fill them with a mixture of potting soil and seed-starting mix. Ensure the soil is moist but not saturated. Plant two seeds in each pot, burying them about 1 inch deep. Place the pots in a sunny window and allow approximately three weeks for germination. You can use a plastic bag to cover the pot to retain humidity and prevent the soil from drying out. Water as needed if the soil appears dry.
Remove the bag once the seedling reaches a height of 2 or 3 inches. Keep the soil consistently moist for the next four to six weeks, or until the plant reaches a height of about 1 foot. At this stage, transition the pot outdoors to an area that receives some sunlight but plenty of afternoon shade. Allow the seedling to acclimate to outdoor conditions until midsummer, when it’s ready to be planted in well-drained soil.
Overwintering
Once a crape myrtle has established itself, it can withstand winter conditions with ease. For smaller trees, it’s beneficial to apply a layer of mulch several inches deep to safeguard the roots. Be cautious to prevent the mulch from coming into direct contact with the tree trunk. In regions with extremely cold climates, you can further protect the tree by using a staked burlap sack wrapped around the base, offering insulation against snow and sleet.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
While crape myrtle trees frequently contend with powdery mildew, one of the benefits of this hybrid variety is its heightened resistance to this fungal issue. Nevertheless, Acoma trees remain susceptible to aphid infestations. While aphids can lead to the development of mold, they generally pose a limited threat and do not cause substantial damage to the tree.
How to Get Acoma Crape Myrtle to Bloom
All crape myrtle varieties inherently desire abundant blooming, so when one of these delightful plants fails to produce colorful blossoms, it’s a concern. One possible reason for the absence of flowers could be crowded branches, obstructing sunlight from reaching the inner parts of the tree. To remedy this, consider pruning the longer branches, which will facilitate greater sunlight penetration towards the core of the tree. However, be cautious not to prune too late in the season, as the tree requires new growth to initiate blooming.
Furthermore, it’s essential to ensure that the tree receives ample sunlight for proper blooming. Verify that there are no neighboring trees or structures casting shade on it.
While it might be tempting to apply additional fertilizer when a plant isn’t blooming, this can actually result in fewer blooms on your crape myrtle. Excess nutrients can lead to vigorous foliage growth, reducing the likelihood of flowering. To promote blossoming, focus on providing adequate phosphorus. Sprinkling bone meal at the base of the tree can also be beneficial in this regard.
Common Problems With Acoma Crape Myrtle
Acoma crape myrtle trees typically experience few problems. However, it’s advisable to remain vigilant for the following issues, keeping in mind that even if the tree displays browning, it does not necessarily signify imminent tree death.
Brown Leaves
The presence of browned crape myrtle leaves may indicate that the tree is facing either drought conditions or overwatering. If browning occurs in the spring, it could be a sign of the tree being shocked due to a sudden cold snap.
Spotted Leaves
The presence of brown spots on the leaves may be indicative of Cercospora leaf spot disease, which is caused by a specific fungus known as Cercospora lythracearum. To address this issue, consider pruning away the affected areas, which will not only mitigate the problem but also enhance air circulation around the tree. It’s worth noting that certain crape myrtle varieties are selectively bred to exhibit improved resistance to diseases like Cercospora leaf spot.
Benefits of Acoma Crape Myrtle
The Acoma Crape Myrtle offers several benefits as a landscaping and ornamental tree:
Stunning Appearance: Acoma Crape Myrtle is known for its breathtaking beauty. It features elegant, weeping branches, lush foliage, and delicate white blossoms. Its attractive appearance adds visual appeal to gardens and landscapes.
Compact Size: This hybrid variety tends to have a petite form, making it suitable for smaller spaces. Its manageable size allows it to fit well in gardens, yards, or as a focal point in various outdoor settings.
Disease Resistance: Acoma Crape Myrtle exhibits increased resistance to certain diseases, including powdery mildew, compared to other crape myrtle varieties. This resilience can reduce the need for extensive maintenance and treatments.
Drought Tolerance: Once established, Acoma Crape Myrtle demonstrates a degree of drought tolerance, making it well-suited for regions with dry or arid climates. It can thrive with limited water once it has taken root.
Adaptability: This variety adapts well to different soil types, including loam, clay, and sandy soils, as long as the soil is well-draining. It can also tolerate a range of pH levels in the soil.
Longevity: A well-cared-for Acoma Crape Myrtle can have a long lifespan, potentially surviving for several decades. Its enduring beauty makes it a valuable addition to landscapes.
Wildlife Attraction: The blooms of Acoma Crape Myrtle can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in your garden.
Low Maintenance: With proper care, Acoma Crape Myrtle requires relatively low maintenance. Pruning is minimal, and it doesn’t demand excessive fertilization once established.
Versatility: Its graceful appearance and adaptability make Acoma Crape Myrtle versatile in landscaping, suitable for various design styles, from formal gardens to more naturalistic settings.
Four-Season Interest: Beyond its summer blossoms, the tree’s attractive bark and fall foliage can provide visual interest throughout the year.
Overall, Acoma Crape Myrtle is a charming and resilient tree that can enhance the aesthetics and diversity of your outdoor space while requiring minimal upkeep.
FAQs
What are alternatives to Acoma crape myrtle?
Several trees and shrubs similar to crape myrtle can add beautiful blossoms to your landscape. These alternatives include chaste trees, redbuds, the sweet tea olive tree, and the Chinese parasol tree.
Can Acoma crape myrtle grow indoors?
This shrub or tree requires abundant sunlight, which may not be feasible to replicate indoors, especially considering its spreading root system. Therefore, it’s advisable to enjoy the seedlings indoors for a period before eventually transplanting them outside.
What is the difference between Acoma crape myrtle and Natchez crape myrtle?
Both trees feature white blossoms and are frequently mistaken for one another. The Natchez crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia x ‘Natchez’) attains greater heights at maturity, ranging from 25 to 30 feet, with a similar spread, making it larger in size compared to the Acoma crape myrtle.
Are crape myrtles invasive?
Crape myrtles are not generally considered invasive plants.
Are crape myrtles evergreen?
Crape myrtles are not typically evergreen; they are deciduous trees or shrubs. This means they shed their leaves in the fall and go dormant during the winter months, displaying new growth and leaves in the spring. However, in some mild or warm climates, crape myrtles may retain their leaves year-round, appearing semi-evergreen.
Share this post: