Tonto Crepe Myrtle - Lagerstroemia 'Tonto'

Tonto Crepe Myrtle, Lagerstroemia 'Tonto'

A compact flowering specimen that delivers serious seasonal impact. Lagerstroemia 'Tonto' produces dense clusters of deep magenta-red blooms from summer through autumn, followed by rich foliage colour and ornamental smooth bark that holds presence through winter.

Why Tonto Crepe Myrtle

Extended Flowering Display: Deep magenta-red blooms from mid-summer through autumn, one of the longest flowering windows in the Lagerstroemia range.
Four-Season Structure: Flowers, autumn foliage colour, and smooth peeling bark ensure year-round visual contribution to the landscape.
Controlled Scale: Reaches approximately 3m, suited to layered planting schemes and constrained sites without sacrificing presence.
Powdery Mildew Resistance: A proven performer where other crepe myrtles fail; 'Tonto' maintains clean foliage through heat and humidity.
Drought Tolerance: Once established, performs reliably in hot, dry conditions with minimal intervention.

Ideal Applications

Feature Specimen: Positioned as a focal point in residential or commercial landscapes where seasonal colour is a design priority.
Flowering Screen or Hedge: Planted in mass or line to create a structured, high-impact boundary with multi-season interest.
Courtyard Planting: Well-suited to enclosed or paved environments where scale and ornamental quality are essential.
Container Specimen: Performs strongly in large-format containers for terraces, rooftop landscapes, and curated entry statements.

Specimen & Installation

Spacing (screening/hedge): 1.5–2m
Spacing (feature/avenue): 2–3m
Planting Season: Spring or autumn
Soil & Drainage: Well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types including clay and sandy loams; drought tolerant once established
Establishment Care: Water deeply and regularly for the first 12 months to establish a strong root system, then reduce to supplemental watering during dry periods. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Plant Details

Height: 2–3m
Width: 1.5–2m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Foliage: Deciduous
Light: Full sun
Native to: China and Korea
Flower Colour: Deep red to fuchsia-red