In Central Florida, we are fortunate to enjoy not one, but two stunning species of Tabebuia that add bursts of seasonal color to our landscape. These showy trees are part of the Bignoniaceae family, known for their impressive trumpet-shaped flowers and ornamental appeal.
Our two options:
- Pink Trumpet Tree (Tabebuia heterophylla a.k.a. Handroanthus pentaphyllus)
- Golden Trumpet Tree (Tabebuia chrysotricha a.k.a. Handroanthus chrysotricha)
Both are medium to large flowering trees, zoned for USDA Hardiness Zones 10A–11, and while they’re typically suited for warmer climates, they perform beautifully in southern Lake County. Even better—neither is listed as invasive, making them ideal choices for Florida-Friendly Landscaping.
| Pink Trumpet Tree | Golden trumpet tree | |
| Native Country | Puerto Rico and West Indies | Brazil and Northern Argentine |
| Height | 20-30ft | 25-35ft |
| Spread | 15-15ft | 25-35ft |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Fast |
| Sun Needs | Full | Full |
| Drought Tolerance | High | Moderate |
| Tree Habit |
 Oval |
 Round |
| Leaves |
 Palmately Compound |
 Palmately Compound |
| Flowers |
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| Fruit |
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Both Tabebuia species offer eye-catching blooms and manageable growth habits for home landscapes, parks, or commercial settings. Consider Pink Trumpet for a softer, elegant splash of color, or go bold with the Golden Trumpet to brighten up winter’s end.
For planting tips or to see local examples, visit your UF/IFAS Extension Office. These trees prove you don’t need tropical travel to find tropical beauty—sometimes, it’s blooming right down the road.
More information on Pink Trumpet Tree: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST616
More information on Yellow Trumpet Tree: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST614
This article was edited with Co-Pilot
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