Crepe Myrtle ‘Tonto’ is a vigorous deciduous variety admired for its rich magenta-pink flowers that cover the tree in summer. Its upright, vase-shaped habit, combined with attractive exfoliating bark, makes it an excellent feature tree, street tree, or large container specimen. It tolerates a wide range of soils and performs best in sunny positions.
Light requirement: Full sun (essential for prolific flowering)
Water requirement: Moderate
Watering frequency: Regular during establishment; occasional once established
Soil: Well-draining soil; tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soils
Skill level: Beginner to moderate
Growth rate: Moderate to fast
Suitable for container gardens: Yes, suitable for large tubs
Mature Height: 4–6 m
Mature Width: 3–5 m
Seasonality: Deciduous
Drought Tolerant: Moderate once established
Frost Tolerant: Light frost tolerant
Wind Tolerant: Moderate; prefers some shelter from strong winds
Leaf colour: Dark green (turns orange-red in autumn)
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf: 5–10 cm long, oval
Flower Colour: Magenta-pink
Flower Shape: Crinkled, ruffled clusters
Flower Fragrance: Light
Flower Season: Summer
Crepe Myrtle ‘Tonto’ is a vigorous deciduous variety admired for its rich magenta-pink flowers that cover the tree in summer. Its upright, vase-shaped habit, combined with attractive exfoliating bark, makes it an excellent feature tree, street tree, or large container specimen. It tolerates a wide range of soils and performs best in sunny positions.
Light requirement: Full sun (essential for prolific flowering)
Water requirement: Moderate
Watering frequency: Regular during establishment; occasional once established
Soil: Well-draining soil; tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soils
Skill level: Beginner to moderate
Growth rate: Moderate to fast
Suitable for container gardens: Yes, suitable for large tubs
Mature Height: 4–6 m
Mature Width: 3–5 m
Seasonality: Deciduous
Drought Tolerant: Moderate once established
Frost Tolerant: Light frost tolerant
Wind Tolerant: Moderate; prefers some shelter from strong winds
Leaf colour: Dark green (turns orange-red in autumn)
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf: 5–10 cm long, oval
Flower Colour: Magenta-pink
Flower Shape: Crinkled, ruffled clusters
Flower Fragrance: Light
Flower Season: Summer
