Lagerstroemia 'TONTO' crape myrtle
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
1-2m
usual width
1-1,5m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
July-September
location
full sun
USDA zone (lowest)
6b (down to -21°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Crape myrtle is a flowering shrub or small tree from China. It was first introduced to the USA and the UK in the 18th century. The original plant lagerstroemia indica is too tender and not too pretty so breeders were working on further hybridization and the most attractive varieties available now are believed to be results of crossing with l.speciosa and l.fauriei. Far more important news for us is the fact that among those finished plants were selected others that survived lower temperatures than what was common in the areas of natural habitat so we have a few myrtles that can grow even in our climate. Some were selections, other further hybrids.
Description of the plant:
Tonto is one of four successful varieties of lagerstroemia (crape myrtle) are end results of Dr.Donald Egolf’s breeding programme which started in 1959. The plants show great colours and manifest better cold hardiness than the species. Tonto bears deep pink flowers with fuchsia red tones which in strictly acidic soil provides a red feeling in the flower colour. Flowers open from burgundy red buds. Deciduous leaves are 3-4 cm long, elliptic to obovate, very glossy, dark green in summer, turning red and maroon in autumn. When they fall down older plants reveal flaking-off bark, similar to what plane trees or stewartias do, leaving a mosaic pattern on the smooth trunks. Crape myrtle needs little care. They need full sun with zero shade during the day. Pruning will secure flowering: cut back last year's growth to about a third of its original size. Do so in spring after danger of frosts. The plant will make strong news shoots that will bear flowers. Grow in well-drained soil that should be kept moist before it gets fully established. Some sources say that plants do well in slightly acidic soil but as far as it is not water-logged they will grow in any fertile soil. It needs heavy mulching in winter and some mulch in summer to retain moisture. Overfertilizing will cause excessive growth but no flowers. Tonto is top hardy to -17°C , bottom hardy to -21°C (USDA zone 6b) and root hardy to -24°C, possibly a little more. If you live in a cold zone with long lasting frost and wish to maintain the top branches you can overwrap the plant in white woven for extra protection.
Last update: 05-02-2010; 13-01-2016
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