Tabebuia spp.

trumpet trees

Bignoniaceae Tropical and subtropical Americas

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Drought Tolerant

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Tabebuia spp. is a genus of about 67 species of shrubs and trees in the family Bignoniaceae, native to the tropics and subtropics of the Americas, from Mexico and the Caribbean to Argentina. Plants grow from 10 to 100 ft (3-30 m) tall, with palmately compound leaves of three to seven leaflets and trumpet-shaped flowers 1.5-4 in (4-10 cm) long in pink, rose, white, or pale yellow. Many species flower heavily on bare branches before or as the new leaves appear, covering the canopy in color for a few weeks. The fruit is a long, slender pod that splits to release winged seeds. T. rosea, the pink trumpet tree, and T. heterophylla are widely planted as street and shade trees in warm regions. The closely related yellow-flowered trees once placed here are now grouped in Handroanthus spp.. Plants tolerate heat and a range of soils but are frost-tender. The wood of several species is hard and durable.

Native Range

Tabebuia spp. is native to the American tropics and subtropics, from Mexico and the West Indies south through Central America to northern Argentina. Plants grow in dry and moist forests, savannas, and coastal scrub. Several species are widely planted far beyond their native range as ornamental trees.

Suggested Uses

Grown as flowering street, park, and shade trees and as specimens in tropical and subtropical gardens. The seasonal bloom on bare branches is used for color in parks and avenues. Smaller species are grown as flowering shrubs or patio trees in frost-free climates.

How to Identify

Look for shrubs or trees with palmately compound leaves of three to seven leaflets radiating from a common point. The trumpet- or funnel-shaped flowers are pink, rose, white, or pale yellow and often appear in masses on leafless branches. Long, narrow seed pods splitting to release winged seeds confirm the genus.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10' - 100'

Width/Spread10' - 50'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Winter Spring

Flowering is concentrated in late winter and spring, often on bare branches before the leaves return, though some species bloom intermittently through the year. The display lasts a few weeks per flush, sometimes with several flushes. Bloom is triggered by dry spells followed by rain in seasonal climates.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

pink, rose, white, or pale yellow

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand clay rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

5-10 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in full sun and well-drained soil with a pH near 6.0 to 7.5, tolerating sandy, rocky, and clay ground. Young trees are watered until established, after which most tolerate seasonal drought. Temperatures below freezing damage or kill the plants, so they are limited to frost-free and nearly frost-free climates. Flowering is heaviest after a dry, cool period followed by warmth. Trees are spaced well apart to let the broad canopy develop.

Pruning

Young trees are pruned to a single leader and clear trunk for street and shade use. Crossing and crowded branches are removed in the dry season after flowering. Mature trees need little pruning beyond clearing dead wood.