Tonto Crape Myrtle
Product Details
Soil Type | Adaptable |
Sunlight | Full |
Drought Tolerance | Good |
Mature Height | 10-15 Feet |
Mature Width | 6-10 Feet |
Fall Color | Red |
Bloom Color | Red |
Shipping Restriction | AZ, OR |
If there is one tree that could transform your garden the Tonto Crape Myrtle is it! This award-winning Crape Myrtle is loved by gardeners, professionals and novices.
Create your own living, outdoor sanctuary with this lovely, colorful tree. You will enjoy the graceful, vase shape and unique light-colored, smooth, peeling bark year-round. In spring, this tree comes to life with emerging shiny, green leaves. Summer brings loads of luscious red-pink blooms. Watch the leaves change a deep red in fall. Friends and neighbors will notice and admire this dwarf tree's unique, but classic beauty season after season.
You will be shocked at how easy the Tonto Crape Myrtle is to care for. This Crape is disease resistant and rarely suffers from insect damage. After establishing, the Tonto is extremely drought tolerant. Plant it anywhere! This Crape is adaptable to almost any soil. There is no need to prune this variety; it stays small!
Such beauty and such ease in one small package! We only have a limited supply of the Tonto Crape Myrtle and this crape is sure to go quickly! Order yours today before we sell out!
Crape Myrtle Tree Comparisons
Be sure you choose the right location and have the appropriate conditions for your new Tonto Crape Myrtle to thrive. Luckily Crape Myrtles are pretty easy to grow and don't require much maintenance at all. If you follow growing zone guidelines for your particular variety you can plant your crape myrtle just about any time of year. Tonto Crape Myrtles grow in zones 7-9.
These trees prefer full sun, but can tolerate some shade and are adaptable to just about any soil as long as it is well-draining. Crape Myrtles do enjoy a slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.0 or 6.5 being ideal, but as long as your soil isn't extremely alkaline there is no need to modify it. Mulching with a 2-3 inch layer of pine straw or pine bark is ideal for crape myrtles. Do not allow the mulch to touch the trunk as these increases the chances of pests and disease. Mulching helps keep soil moist and protects roots during temperature extremes. Crape Myrtles should be watered deeply about 2 times per week after planting for about 3 months. After this establishment period, water deeply about once weekly when conditions are dry. Crape Myrtles are drought tolerant once established. Fertilize in early spring and when planting to give your tree a boost and help it achieve the best blooms. Choose a balanced, slow release fertilizer. If you know your soil is on the basic side choose a fertilizer that is for acid loving plants. Crape Myrtles do not generally require pruning, but if needed, prune when they are dormant to remove any dead, dying, or crowded branches. Avoid the need to over prune your tree by choosing a variety that fits best in your chosen spot. You can choose a variety that is only 5 feet tall up to varieties that grow over 30 feet tall. Tonto Crape Myrtles grow up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide.
The best way to prevent disease and pests is by providing the appropriate care for your plants. Proper location choice, watering and fertilization are the keys to your success. There are not many pests or diseases that cause severe problems for crape myrtles. Aphids are one of the few pests that attack crape myrtles. Minor infections aren't likely to cause problems, but a severe infection can weaken your tree. You can treat aphids naturally with horticultural oil, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. For severe infections use pesticides like carbaryl, also known as Sevin. The Tonto crape myrtle is resistant to Powdery Mildew.
Tonto Crape Myrtles will look great anywhere in your landscape. The pink-red flower clusters are sure to brighten up your yard. Mature size is up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide so be mindful of this when choosing a spot for your tree. Tonto Crape Myrtles look great as single specimens planted in your yard and provide a wonderful focal point. This Crape Myrtle will also look great framing your front door or the front entrance of your driveway. Plant 1 on each side and watch your house turn into a home. Another stellar look for these smaller crape myrtles is a grouped hedge. You will love the color and beauty this will add to your yard Planting about 8 feet apart can even provide some subtle privacy in spring, summer and fall.
Learn when to prune your flowering shrubs.
For additional options, be sure to browse our Crape Myrtle and Black Diamond Crape Myrtle collection.