Trumpet Trees (Tabebuia)

How to choose a trumpet tree

Colour is the first decision. For pink, the Palmeri Pink Trumpet Tree is widely planted in Queensland gardens and streets, and flowers in pink to mauve on bare branches at the end of winter. The Rosea Pink Trumpet Tree is a larger tree that prefers tropical and warm subtropical conditions. The Heterophylla Pink Trumpet Tree is another pink flowered species for warm gardens.

For yellow, the Golden Trumpet Tree puts on a short, intense display of golden yellow flowers in spring before the new leaves appear. The Silver Trumpet Tree also flowers yellow, and adds silvery grey leaves and corky, furrowed bark on a trunk that often grows with a natural lean, which gives it character as a feature tree.

Advanced field grown trumpet trees are also part of this range for gardens that need an established tree from day one.

Where trumpet trees grow

Trumpet trees suit tropical and subtropical climates, and the hardier pink and golden kinds also grow in warm, frost free temperate areas. A dry, mild winter followed by a warm spring gives the heaviest flowering. Young trees are frost tender, so protect them for the first few winters in marginal areas. All need full sun. They handle heat well and, once established, cope with dry spells.

In gardens most stay small to medium, commonly six to ten metres, though Tabebuia rosea can grow taller in the tropics. They make fine lawn specimens and street trees. Compare them with other flowering trees and feature trees, or see more plants for subtropical climates.

Planting and spacing

Plant in full sun in well drained soil. Trumpet trees dislike waterlogged ground, so raise the planting area in heavy clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and no deeper, set the tree at the same level it sat in the pot, backfill and water in well. Allow at least five to six metres between trees, and keep them a similar distance from buildings so the canopy can develop evenly. Stake young trees for the first year or two in windy sites, and mulch the root zone.

Care basics

Water regularly for the first two summers while the roots establish. After that, water during long dry periods in the growing season and ease off in winter, because a drier rest before spring encourages flowering. Feed in spring after flowering with a slow release fertiliser.

Pruning needs are light. Shape young trees to a single leader and a clear trunk if you want a shade tree form, and remove crossing or damaged branches after flowering. Fallen flowers make a carpet of colour for a week or two and need no more than raking from paths.

Common questions

When do trumpet trees flower?

Mostly from late winter to spring, on bare or nearly bare branches. The display is brief but heavy, and the timing shifts with the species and the season.

Are trumpet trees deciduous?

Most drop their leaves, fully or partly, in the dry of late winter just before flowering, then leaf up again quickly in spring.

Do trumpet trees tolerate frost?

Young trees are frost tender. Established trees of the hardier kinds take the odd light frost, but these are trees for warm districts.

How long before a trumpet tree flowers?

It varies with the species and the size planted. Young trees often take a few years to settle in before they flower well.