Lagerstroemia Tonto (Crape Myrtle)

Lagerstroemia 'Tonto' (Crape Myrtle) is a small, upright, spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree with a profusion of large clusters, 6 in. long (15 cm), packed with crinkly, bright magenta flowers at its branch tips. Blooming from midsummer to early fall in an explosion of brilliant flowers smothering the foliage, it adds vibrant color in the landscape. The foliage of dark green leaves turns red to reddish purple in the fall before dropping – revealing the unique, smooth bark. This crape myrtle enjoys an excellent disease resistance and adds great ornamental value across the seasons. It makes a striking specimen plant or flowering hedge.

• Winner of the Georgia Gold Medal (1996) and Mississippi Medallion (1999)
• Grows up to 8-15 ft. tall (240-450 cm) and 6-10 ft. wide (180-300 cm).
• A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Drought and heat tolerant. Water regularly until established. To help crape myrtles retain water, mulch with organic matter 2-3 in. deep (5-7 cm).
• Crape myrtles are not usually browsed by deer.
• Perfect as a specimen plant or for foundation plantings. Effective as a screen or informal hedge in mild winter areas.
• Crape myrtles bloom on new wood and should be pruned in winter or early spring. Remove dead branches any time.
• Lagerstroemia indica species is native to Temperate and Tropical Asia. It has been widely cultivated as an ornamental and has become naturalized in Europe, America, and the Caribbean.