The Tonto Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia ‘Tonto’) is a compact powerhouse. This semi-dwarf crape myrtle delivers huge summer color in a small package. From mid-summer to early fall, it is smothered in large, crepe-papery clusters of vivid fuchsia to magenta-red blooms, set against dark green leaves. Come autumn, the foliage turns brilliant orange-red and maroon. Then the leaves drop to reveal smooth, cream-to-beige peeling bark for winter interest. The U.S. National Arboretum bred this variety for excellent disease resistance. So the Tonto Crape Myrtle is an award-winning, low-maintenance choice for smaller gardens and tight spots.

Why Grow a Tonto Crape Myrtle?

Vivid magenta-red blooms – huge, long-lasting flower clusters from mid-summer to early fall.
Compact size – a semi-dwarf form perfect for smaller yards, foundations, and tight urban spots.
Four-season interest – summer flowers, fiery orange-red fall color, and smooth peeling bark in winter.
Disease-resistant – an award-winning National Arboretum hybrid, bred to resist powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Tough & pet-friendly – heat- and drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

Looking for more flowering trees and color? Browse our Flowering Plants and Trees collections.

Plant Specifications at a Glance

Botanical name: Lagerstroemia ‘Tonto’ (crape myrtle, crepe myrtle)
Plant type: Deciduous, multi-stemmed semi-dwarf flowering shrub or small tree
Plant family: Lythraceae (the loosestrife family)
Mature size: about 8–15 feet tall and 6–10 feet wide
Flowers: Large clusters of vivid fuchsia to magenta-red blooms from mid-summer to early fall
Foliage & bark: Dark green leaves turning orange-red to maroon in fall; smooth, cream-to-beige exfoliating bark
Notable traits: Mildew- and leaf-spot-resistant; heat- and drought-tolerant; deer-resistant; pet-safe
Cold Hardiness Zones: 7–9

Tonto Crape Myrtle Care & Growing Guide

Crape myrtles are tough and rewarding. Give them sun, and they will thrive. Follow these simple guidelines:

Sunlight: Full sun is essential. The more sun it gets, the more abundant the bloom. In too much shade, flowering drops off sharply.
Water: Water regularly to establish a strong root system. After that, water only occasionally, since it is quite drought-tolerant once mature. During long dry spells, water more deeply.
Soil: It adapts to most soils. However, it prefers well-drained ground with good air circulation.
Cold Hardiness Zone: 7–9.
Pruning: It blooms on new wood. So prune lightly in late winter or early spring, before growth begins. Also avoid hard “topping” (so-called crape murder), because it ruins the natural form. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage a lighter second flush.

Ways to Use Tonto Crape Myrtle in the Landscape

Specimen or accent for a bold summer focal point
Group plantings and flowering hedges
Foundation beds and tight urban spaces
Smaller gardens and front yards
Large containers and patio specimens

It pairs beautifully with other crape myrtles for a long-blooming display. For example, gardeners often combine it with deep-purple Twilight Crape Myrtle, white Natchez Crape Myrtle, or coral-pink Tuscarora Crape Myrtle.

What You’ll Receive

These are live Tonto Crape Myrtle starter plants, grown and shipped by Carlo’s Plant Farm. Each plant is less than 12 inches tall when we ship it. The listing photos show mature plants of the same species. That way, you can see how yours will look as they grow and bloom. Finally, choose your preferred bundle size using the options above.

Also, due to different state laws, we reserve the right to charge extra fees where necessary to comply.

Ordering, Shipping & Returns

Every order ships free and is insured against loss or damage in transit. For full details on how we pack and send your plants, processing and delivery times, and what to do in the rare case of a problem, please review our Shipping Policy and Terms & Conditions before purchasing. By placing an order, you agree to those terms.

Tonto Crape Myrtle FAQ

How big does a Tonto Crape Myrtle get?

Tonto is a compact, semi-dwarf crape myrtle. It grows about 8 to 15 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide. As a result, it fits smaller yards and tight spots where a full-size tree would be too big.

How fast does Tonto Crape Myrtle grow?

It is a fast grower for its size. In a sunny spot, it often gains a couple of feet per year while young. So it fills in quickly.

When does Tonto Crape Myrtle bloom?

It blooms from mid-summer to early fall. During that time, it is covered in large clusters of vivid fuchsia to magenta-red flowers.

How much sun does Tonto Crape Myrtle need?

Full sun is essential. The more sun it gets, the more it blooms. In too much shade, flowering drops off and mildew is more likely.

When and how should I prune a crape myrtle?

Crape myrtles bloom on new wood. So prune lightly in late winter or early spring, before growth begins. Also, avoid hard topping, often called crape murder, because it ruins the natural shape. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage a lighter second flush.

What growing zones is Tonto Crape Myrtle suited for?

It is hardy in USDA Cold Hardiness Zones 7 to 9. In colder areas, it may die back in winter and then return in spring.

Is Tonto Crape Myrtle deer resistant and drought tolerant?

Yes. Once established, it is heat- and drought-tolerant. In addition, it is considered deer-resistant, so it is easy to care for.

Is Tonto Crape Myrtle safe for pets?

Yes. Crape myrtles, including Tonto, are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. So they are a pet-friendly choice for the yard.

Can Tonto Crape Myrtle grow in a container?

Yes. Because it stays compact, Tonto does well in a large container or as a patio specimen. Just use a big pot with drainage, water more often, and give it full sun.

What size plants will I receive?

You will receive live Tonto Crape Myrtle starter plants. Each one is under 12 inches tall at shipping, grown and shipped by Carlo’s Plant Farm. The listing photos show mature plants of the same species. So you can see how yours will look as they grow. Finally, choose your bundle size using the options above.

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Tonto Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia 'Tonto') magenta-red flower clusters

Tonto crape myrtle with vivid magenta-red flowers, one of several crape myrtle varieties

Click to enlarge

Lagerstroemia Tonto crape myrtle in bloom

Tonto crape myrtle magenta-red flowers close-up

Tonto crape myrtle semi-dwarf tree with fuchsia flowers

Carlos Plant Farm

Crape Myrtle Tonto – Lagerstroemia ‘Tonto’ (Fuchsia-Red Flowering Tree, Live Starter Plants)

Price range: $33.79 through $178.32

Pack big color into a small space with a live Tonto Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia ‘Tonto’). This award-winning, semi-dwarf crape myrtle is smothered in vivid fuchsia to magenta-red blooms from mid-summer to early fall, followed by fiery orange-red fall color and smooth peeling bark. A National Arboretum hybrid bred for outstanding mildew resistance, it’s compact (8–15 ft), heat- and drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and non-toxic to pets — perfect for smaller gardens and tight spots. Shipped as a healthy live starter plant (under 12 inches tall) by Carlos Plant Farm. Cold hardy in USDA zones 7–9.

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