crape myrtle

Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia 'Tonto') should be watered every 3-4 days. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. During its first year, try to avoid any long periods without water. During hot and dry periods, water more frequently. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overhead watering and stick to deep, thorough soakings to encourage strong roots.

Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia 'Tonto') thrive best in an area with full sun, which generally means at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They can tolerate partial shade, but this will reduce blooming and affect the vibrancy of the foliage color. In warmer climates, it is best to provide afternoon shade or dappled sunlight to avoid excessive heat stress, while in more moderate climates, full sun will provide the best results. This plant readily adapts to any soil type as long as it is well-draining, and is a good choice for gardens in both wet or dry sites.

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia 'Tonto') should be pruned in late winter or early spring depending on the climate where the plant is located. The best time to prune this species is when it is still dormant. Pruning later in the season could reduce flowering for the following year, so pruning should be done while the plant is still dormant. Pruning should be done to maintain the desired size of the shrub and to shape the overall structure. It is important to prune this species properly to ensure optimal growth and flowering. Remove dead, diseased, diseased, or weak branches. Thin the interior of the shrub to enhance air flow and light penetration. Pruning in thinning should be done to maintain the desired size of the shrub, remove older branches, and to open up the canopy for light penetration. When pruning crape myrtle, always remove the canes close to soil level. Avoid topping or cutting the entire plant as this will lead to excessive growth and poor flowering.