| Acoma mature size | 5–10 ft, weeping form |
| Sioux mature size | 10–20 ft, upright |
| Bloom color | Acoma: white · Sioux: deep pink |
| Disease resistance | Both high mildew resistance; Sioux also resists Cercospora leaf spot |
Two Different Crape Myrtles, Two Different Yards
Acoma and Sioux are both University of Georgia Extension–listed crape myrtle cultivars, both U.S. National Arboretum releases, and both genuinely good choices — but they solve different landscaping problems. The short version: Acoma is the compact, white-blooming option for foundation plantings; Sioux is the larger, deep-pink option for a specimen tree or light shade.
Acoma: The Compact, Weeping Option
Acoma tops out around 5–10 feet with a distinctive weeping habit, pure white blooms from mid-summer into fall, and good exfoliating bark for winter interest. Per UGA Extension, it carries high resistance to powdery mildew. It's the better fit where a full-size tree won't fit — foundation plantings, smaller yards, tight side-yards.
Sioux: The Larger, Disease-Resistant Option
Sioux grows to 10–20 feet with an upright form and deep pink blooms on the same extended midsummer-to-fall schedule. UGA Extension's cultivar guide notes Sioux carries high mildew resistance and documented resistance to Cercospora leaf spot in field trials — a combination not every crape myrtle cultivar can claim — plus some of the best exfoliating bark in the class. Sioux is the better fit for a specimen tree, light shade, or anywhere you want more height and presence.
Choosing Between Them
| If you want… | Choose |
|---|---|
| A compact tree for a foundation planting | Acoma |
| A larger specimen tree or light shade | Sioux |
| White blooms | Acoma |
| Deep pink blooms and extra leaf-spot resistance | Sioux |
Both share the same care rule worth remembering: don't prune either one in early fall, since it forces new growth a sudden freeze can damage. Wait for late winter — and skip the aggressive "topping" some landscapers do, since both varieties bloom on new growth regardless of how hard they're pruned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sioux or Acoma more disease-resistant?
Both have high mildew resistance per UGA Extension; Sioux additionally shows resistance to Cercospora leaf spot in field trials.
Which one blooms longer?
Both bloom on a similar midsummer-through-fall schedule — the difference is size and color, not bloom duration.
Can I plant Acoma and Sioux together?
Yes — pairing the compact white Acoma with the larger pink Sioux is a common way to layer height and color in the same bed.
Related Reading
If you're planning a mixed flowering border, our hydrangea collection covers a pruning-timing mistake that's just as commonly gotten wrong as crape myrtle topping.
