A hybrid type of Lagerstroemia known most often as the crape (or crepe) myrtle, the Acoma crape myrtle is a member of the genus Lagerstroemia. This specific type is known to only grow to a height of around ten feet and is commonly described as remaining short in size and seeming more shrub-like than tree-like.
These plants are excellent choices for planting in suburban or urban areas. Due to its compact size, it is a great choice for gardens and lawns. It may also be used into a landscaping strategy for businesses. Additionally, this cultivar has increased resilience to powdery mildew, which certain crape myrtle plants often struggle with.
Name of the plant: Lagerstroemia x "Acoma"
Name of the plant: Lagerstroemia x "Acoma"
Plant Type Common Name Acoma Crape Myrtle 2 to 10 feet tall and 2 to 10 feet broad when fully grown
UV Radiation whole sun
Type of Soil Well-draining
pH of the Soil: Acidic to Neutral
Bloom Seasons Spring and summer
White Flower Hardiness Zones 7 to 9 Native Country Australia and Asia
How to Grow Crape Myrtle in Acoma
The cultivation of the Acoma crape myrtle is gratifying since it yields weeping branches covered in rich foliage and lovely blossoms. Although this cultivar needs a lot of sun, it thrives in a range of soil types and only need little water or fertilizer.
These trees are expected to grow at a medium pace, so you'll have plenty of time to observe their development. Just keep in mind that there won't be much more for you to do than observe; the Acoma crepe myrtle just needs its bottom branches sometimes pruned.
Light
Crape myrtle needs full light to flourish to its greatest capacity. Crape myrtles are well recognized for their stunning flowers, so to get the most out of the blossoming show, make sure they get at least six hours of light each day.
Soil The crape myrtle may grow in a variety of soil types, such as loam, clay, or sandy soils as long as the area has good drainage. These plants may thrive on slightly alkaline or slightly acidic soils, although they prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH values.
When the crape myrtle is initially planted, it has to be watered often until it becomes established. Once they reach maturity, however, these plants have little water requirements and may survive on about an inch of water per week.
Although they have shown to be comparatively drought-resistant, remember that a lack of water during bloom season may lead to a less impressive display. If you endure a prolonged dry spell and you don't want your flower output to suffer, try to supplement rainfall with routine watering.
Thermodynamics and Humidity
The Acoma crape myrtle thrives well even in hot areas and is tolerant of humidity or drought, like other crape myrtle kinds that flourish in the sun and heat.
On the other hand, it can often effectively resist temperatures as low as zero degrees Fahrenheit and is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9.
Fertilizer
You may need to fertilize your crape myrtle to get the greatest blooms. Even while these plants may thrive in low-nutrient soil, they nevertheless need enough nitrogen to maintain bloom development.
Consider fertilizing your Acoma crape myrtle using a balanced formula, such as an 8-8-8 or 10-10-10, if your soil is deficient. The fertilizer may be administered at the beginning of the growth season and should be spread as soon as it rains, unless appropriate watering is provided subsequently.
While the proper quantity of fertilizer may bring out your crape myrtle's greatest qualities, an excessive amount might have the opposite effect. Don't overfeed your plants with fertilizers; doing so might result in excessive leaf growth and fewer blooms.
Acoma Crape Myrtle growth
Cuttings are the most effective method of propagating Acoma crape myrtle. Along with root cuttings, you may also employ soft or hardwood cuttings.
To reproduce from cuttings, use the following actions:
To remove hardwood or softwood cuts, use clean scissors or garden shears. Cuttings from hardwood should be roughly eight inches long. Once the tree has gone dormant for the year, usually in the late autumn, take hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings should grow around six inches long and have many nodes when they are taken in the spring or summer.
Leave approximately an inch of the cutting above the soil line when planting the cutting in a container filled with good potting soil.
Keep the soil wet, and place the container where it will get lots of sun. In approximately a month, softwood cuttings should start to grow again. Although they will develop more slowly, hardwood cuttings won't be ready for planting until the summer.
The cutting may be placed outside after it has established roots and begun to generate new growth. Place your new plant in an area with plenty of light and give it plenty of water.
Acoma Crape Myrtle toxicity
You may relax knowing that this tree will not hurt your dogs or other animals if you're worried about them nibbling on your crape myrtle. The Acoma crape myrtle is safe for both people and animals to consume.
Pruning
Light pruning may keep your Acoma crape myrtle looking excellent; it's best to do this in the spring before the heavy foliage covers the branches.
It won't need substantial pruning to maintain its height since this hybrid type is renowned for having a tiny shape, but you could wish to tidy up low branches to highlight the tree's lovely red-and-white smooth bark.
Additionally, pinching off new growth will urge your crape myrtle to grow fuller and bushier rather than higher, which will stimulate the tree to develop more branches. Remove wasted blooms as well to encourage more blossoming.
Typical Pests
One benefit of this hybrid species is greater resistance to powdery mildew, a disease that often affects crepe myrtle trees. Aphid infestation is still a problem for Acoma trees. This may result in a black mold, but it won't really endanger or harm the tree.
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