Tabebuia, Trumpet Tree

A wonderful small tree which features masses of showy golden yellow, pink or purple tubular flowers on a nearly leafless tree in the spring. Tabebuia is an absolutely spectacular deciduous small tree for spring-time color and small yards. Of the family Bignoniaceae it is well known as Tabebuia or Trumpet Tree. It is easy to grow and loves full sun. Tabebuia is native to Central and South America and the West Indies.

Yellow Tabebuia, Trumpet Tree
Pink Trumpet Tree Click Image to Enlarge	Blooms can completely cover the ground. Click Image to Enlarge
Leaves often drop before flowers appear. Click Image to Enlarge	Cuban Tabebuia Click Image to Enlarge

Plant Facts:

Common Name:  Tabebuia, Trumpet Tree

Botanical Name:  Tabebuia

Family:  Bignoniaceae

Plant Type:  Deciduous Tree

Origin: Central and South America and the West Indies

Zones: 9 - 12 -- hardy to Orlando and Tampa Area

Height:  15' to 50'

Rate of Growth: Slow to Medium

Salt Tolerance: Moderate

Soil Requirements:  Fertile, moist soil

Water Requirements: Water freely when in growth, sparingly in winter

Nutritional Requirements: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly

Light Requirements: Full sun

Form:  Small to Medium Size Tree

Leaves:  5 to 7-palmate, lance-shaped to obovate -- mid-green to silvery-grey

Flowers:  Yellow (T. umbellata or T. chrysantha), Pink (T. rosea, T. pallida -- syn. T. heterophylla) or  Purple (T. impetiginosa and T. heptaphylla) trumpet shaped, sweetly scented -- blooms in Spring

Fruits: None

Pests:  Sometimes affected by Leaf Spot, Dieback, and Spider Mites

Uses:  Show piece

Bad Habits: Prune weak branches when required

Cost:  $$ -- reasonable

Propagation:   Semi-ripe cuttings or air-layer in spring

Sources:   A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, The Subtropical Garden