Tonto Crape Myrtle Tree

Tonto is a compact, deciduous crapemyrtle with red summer flowers, a rounded multi-stemmed form, and colorful fall foliage. University of Florida IFAS lists mature size at 5–10 feet tall by 5–8 feet wide and hardiness in USDA zones 7–9. [UF/IFAS Tonto profile](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP329) ## Garden use The manageable scale suits a small landscape, border, accent planting, or container, and the plant can also be trained to a short standard. Its green leaves turn yellow to red in fall; flowers appear in spring and summer in the IFAS profile. ## Siting and water Choose full sun and well-drained soil. Water through establishment and during prolonged dry spells; UF/IFAS reports high drought tolerance and notes several soil textures and pH conditions it can tolerate. Crapemyrtles generally flower best in full sun with adequate moisture. [USDA plant guide](https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_lain.pdf) ## Maintenance Allow the rounded framework to develop, removing dead or damaged stems as needed. If shaping is necessary, prune before spring growth; avoid severe topping, which can produce weak shoots and repeated basal sprouts. [UF/IFAS Tonto profile](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP329)