Tonto Crape Myrtle

Crape Myrtles have come a long way from the time when they were huge trees with pale lilac flowers. At that time they were often disfigured in summer by a white growth on the leaves, making them look tired and dusty. Over the last 50 years, these plants have been the object of intense work by plant breeders across the countries, who have given us their bounty of new varieties in many sizes and many vibrant shades, from white, through soft and strong pinks to rich cherry-reds and purples.

At the Tree Center we specialize in these wonderful plants and offer you a huge selection of varieties to fit gardens of every size and all tastes in color. They are also specially-bred to be free of that disfiguring powdery mildew; now the rich, glossy green foliage looks healthy and bright to show the flowers at their best.

Growing Tonto Crape Myrtle Trees

The Tonto Crape Myrtle is completely hardy from zone 7 to zone 9, so throughout the South and West this plant will thrive. However, even if you live in cooler areas, you can still grow this plant and enjoy its blooms. It is root-hardy well into zone 5; meaning that the top-growth may be killed by winter cold, but the plant will survive and send up new shoots from the base in spring.

Since Crape Myrtles flower at the ends of new shoots, those shoots that come in spring will definitely flower well; it is just that the plant will not of course become so large. In zones 5 or 6 expect the Tonto Crape Myrtle to grow 4 or 5 feet tall and perhaps 3 feet wide each summer – still enough to make a spectacular flowering shrub for the sunniest spot in your garden.

Soil Conditions

This plant will grow in most types of soil, from sand to clay and prefers a hot, sunny location in well-drained soil. Choose the hottest, sunniest spot in your garden to feature this stunning plant. It can be grown in a shrub border with other flowering shrubs, alone or in a group of 3 or 5 for a larger garden.

Using as a Hedge or in a Container

It also makes an excellent informal hedge to divide one part of the garden from another, or from neighboring properties. This plant is also an excellent choice if you are looking for a flowering bush for a container on a deck, patio or terrace, where its brilliant summer colors will be at their best just when you are using the area.

Size

The Tonto Crape Myrtle will grow to 10 or 11 feet tall and as much across in warmer zones where there is no winter damage to the branches. It is upright but wide spreading, with many trunks, so it is a shrub, not a tree-form for planting as a specimen in a lawn. If you are looking for a lawn specimen, here at the Tree Center we recommend the Dynamite Crape Myrtle, or the Arapaho Crape Myrtle, which both grow between 10 and 20 feet tall and make spectacular specimens in your lawn.

Appearance

The Tonto Crape Myrtle has bright fuchsia-pink flowers in large clusters at the ends of the branches. These are produced on new shoots which grow in spring and begin to flower by early summer. Flowering will continue right up to the last frost, especially if the flower clusters are pruned off when they fade, preventing seed formation. The flower clusters are well over 6 inches long and tightly packed with flowers.

The summer foliage is glossy and a rich, dark green color, free of the disfiguring white growth of powdery mildew. In fall the leaves turn brilliant deep red, putting on a spectacular display. As the leaves fall the beautiful branches are revealed, with their mottled bark in all shades of brown and beige, from cream to chestnut. This makes a very attractive winter feature, meaning that the Tonto Crape Myrtle is interesting in your garden all year round.

Planting Location

When it comes to planting your Tonto Crape Myrtle, allow enough room, depending on your growing zone. For a hedge allow 6 feet between the plants, or closer in colder zones where some winter die-back may occur. Dig a hole or a trench two or three times wider than the pot, but no deeper. Place your plants in the hole, replace most of the soil and firm it well down. Then water thoroughly and replace the rest of the soil, being careful not to cover the roots with any extra soil. For a container, choose a large pot, like a half-barrel, with drainage holes and fill it with outdoor potting soil.

History and Origins of the Tonto Crape Myrtle

The Tonto Crape Myrtle was released in 1995 by the National Arboretum (Washington D.C.) breeding program, which develops high-quality, mildew-resistant, crape myrtle varieties. These come in a variety of sizes and flower colors and ‘Tonto’ is a medium-sized bushy variety. It has exceptional mildew resistance as well as bright, fuchsia-pink flowers. These Crape Myrtle varieties are hybrids of the common crape myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica, with a rare species from Japan called Lagerstroemia fauriei. This species gives resistance to mildew and also contributes darker brown shades to the striking patterns on the trunk.

Buying Tonto Crape Myrtles at The Tree Center

Because of the special and extensive breeding program needed to produce this plant it must be grown in the correct way. Our plants are grown from stem pieces taken from original plants of the correct form and are quite different from cheaper seedling plants that vary greatly and will not give the effect and quality of the real thing. The Tonto Crape Myrtle is a relatively new variety, although it has been well-tested. Understandably many gardeners want to buy this plant. Despite receiving stock frequently, shortages can occur, so order your plants now to make sure you don’t miss out on this spectacular sun-loving beauty.

What are the best companion plants for the Tonto Crape Myrtle?

The Tonto Crape Myrtle is a versatile plant that pairs well with a variety of companion plants. Given its preference for sunny, well-drained locations, it would do well alongside other sun-loving, drought-tolerant plants. Perennials such as Coneflowers, Black-eyed Susans, and Salvia are good options. Ornamental grasses can also provide a nice contrast in texture. If you’re planting it in a shrub border, consider pairing it with other flowering shrubs that bloom at different times to ensure continuous color throughout the growing season.

How often should I water my Tonto Crape Myrtle?

The Tonto Crape Myrtle is quite drought-tolerant once established, meaning it doesn’t require frequent watering. However, during the first year after planting, it’s important to water it regularly to help it establish a strong root system. After that, you can reduce watering, but make sure to water it deeply during prolonged periods of drought. Remember, it’s always better to water deeply and less frequently, as this encourages deeper root growth.

How can I encourage more blooms on my Tonto Crape Myrtle?

To encourage more blooms on your Tonto Crape Myrtle, there are a few things you can do. First, ensure it’s planted in a location that receives full sun, as this will promote more vigorous flowering. Second, after the first flush of blooms fade, prune off the spent flower clusters. This prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production and encourages it to produce more blooms. Finally, a balanced fertilizer applied in early spring can also help promote more vigorous growth and flowering.

What pests or diseases should I watch out for with my Tonto Crape Myrtle?

One of the great things about the Tonto Crape Myrtle is its resistance to common diseases, including powdery mildew. However, like any plant, it’s not completely immune to pests and diseases. Aphids can sometimes be a problem, but they can usually be controlled with a strong spray of water or an application of insecticidal soap. As for diseases, while it’s resistant to powdery mildew, it can still be susceptible to other fungal diseases if conditions are overly wet. Regularly inspect your plant for any signs of disease and treat as necessary.

Can I grow Tonto Crape Myrtle in a container?

Yes, the Tonto Crape Myrtle can be successfully grown in a container. This can be a great option if you have limited garden space or if you want to add some height and color to a patio or deck. Choose a large container with good drainage and fill it with a high-quality potting mix. Make sure to water it regularly, as container plants can dry out more quickly than those in the ground. Also, be aware that container-grown plants may need to be replaced or repotted every few years as they outgrow their containers.

What kind of maintenance does the Tonto Crape Myrtle require?

The Tonto Crape Myrtle is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It doesn’t require much pruning, but you can prune it in late winter or early spring if you want to shape it or control its size. Also, after the first flush of blooms fade, prune off the spent flower clusters to encourage more blooms. Aside from that, just make sure it’s planted in a sunny location with well-drained soil, and water it regularly, especially during dry periods.

When is the best time to plant a Tonto Crape Myrtle?

The best time to plant a Tonto Crape Myrtle is in the spring or fall. Planting in the spring gives the plant a full growing season to establish before winter, while planting in the fall takes advantage of cooler temperatures and natural rainfall. However, if you live in a warmer climate where winters are mild, you can really plant it any time of the year. Just make sure to water it regularly after planting to help it establish.

What kind of fertilizer should I use for my Tonto Crape Myrtle?

A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring can help promote vigorous growth and flowering in your Tonto Crape Myrtle. Look for a fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (such as a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14) for best results. Always follow the package instructions for application rates and frequencies. Remember, it’s better to under-fertilize than over-fertilize, as too much fertilizer can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of blooms.

How fast does the Tonto Crape Myrtle grow?

The growth rate of the Tonto Crape Myrtle can vary depending on the growing conditions. In ideal conditions, it can grow quite rapidly, adding several feet in height and width each year. In cooler zones where the top growth may be killed back by winter cold, it will be smaller and grow more slowly. Regardless of the growth rate, with its continuous summer blooms and vibrant fall color, it will be a standout in your garden from the first year.

Can the Tonto Crape Myrtle tolerate poor soil conditions?

Yes, the Tonto Crape Myrtle is quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, from sandy to clay soils. However, it does prefer well-drained soil, so if your soil is heavy clay or tends to stay wet, you might want to amend it with some organic matter to improve drainage. Despite its adaptability, like any plant, it will perform best in good garden soil that is rich in organic matter.