Tabebuia (Trumpet Tree)
About this species.
Tabebuia (multiple species — most commonly Tabebuia caraiba in SW Florida) is one of South Florida's most spectacular spring bloomers — the entire crown turns brilliant yellow (or pink, depending on species) in dramatic flushes when the tree is leafless. Small, sculptural, cold-sensitive at its northern range, and visually unmatched during the bloom window.
Identification
- Small flowering deciduous tree with sculptural irregular crown.
- Leafless during peak bloom — entire crown ablaze with trumpet-shaped 2–3 inch flowers in dense terminal clusters.
- Yellow Tabebuia (Tabebuia caraiba / Tabebuia chrysotricha) is the most commonly planted in SW Florida — buttery yellow blooms in spring.
- Pink Tabebuia (Tabebuia heterophylla, Tabebuia rosea) and other species also planted — pink-to-rose blooms.
- Gnarled silvery-gray crooked corky bark — sculpturally interesting even when bare.
- Slim slightly twisted trunk.
- 20–35 ft mature height.
Where you'll see them
South Florida residential landscapes, HOA boulevards, park focal-point plantings. The dramatic spring bloom is enough of a feature that Tabebuias are often planted as single specimens for the show. Common in Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers; cold-sensitivity limits reliable performance north of Charlotte County.
Florida-specific care
- Cold-sensitive — freeze damage in 28°F or below.
- Brittle wood — occasional storm-damage branch loss; site away from valuable hardscape.
- Bloom timing varies year-to-year; drought stress sometimes triggers heavier blooming.
- Pruning maintains shape; remove crossing branches and deadwood.
- Drought-tolerant once established.
- Slow-to-establish in very poor sandy soil; better in amended residential beds.
What to know.
- Standard species-appropriate pruning, watering, and inspection — no special handling required.
Frequently asked.
When does Tabebuia bloom?
Peak bloom is February through April depending on the species and the year's spring temperatures. Yellow Tabebuia typically blooms earlier (February–March); pink species often bloom slightly later. Most varieties bloom while leafless, producing the dramatic 'cloud of color' canopy effect. Bloom duration is 3–6 weeks.
Yellow or pink Tabebuia — which should I plant?
Yellow Tabebuia (T. caraiba / T. chrysotricha) is more cold-hardy and slightly more reliable for SW Florida. Pink Tabebuia (T. heterophylla, T. rosea) is more cold-sensitive and best suited to extreme South Florida. For Charlotte / Sarasota properties, yellow is the safer choice; for Lee County and southward, either works.
How far north can I plant Tabebuia?
Reliably in Lee County and parts of southern Charlotte County for the cold-hardier yellow species. Sarasota County is borderline — protected microclimates work, but exposed sites see significant freeze damage. Pink Tabebuia is reliably hardy only south of about Naples.
Services for tabebuia (trumpet tree)s.
The work we do on tabebuia (trumpet tree)s most often. Each card links straight to the service detail.