Introduction

Pink trumpet tree produces a wonderful specimen tree, reaching a height of 50 feet and is covered with terminal panicles of pink to rose-purple, two-inch-wide, showy blossoms in spring. There are few, if any, other flowering trees which can match the beauty of this tree in bloom! Flowers stand out nicely because there are no leaves on the tree during flowering. They contrast nicely against the light grey bark. The palmately compound leaves bear five leaflets, each about two-and-one-half inches long.

General Information

Scientific name: Handroanthus heptaphyllus

Pronunciation: hand-ro-ANTH-us hep-tuh-FILL-us

Common name(s): Pink trumpet tree

Family: Bignoniaceae

USDA hardiness zones: 9B through 11 (Figure 2)

Origin: not native to North America

Invasive potential: not considered a problem species at this time, may be recommended (North, Central, South)

Uses: specimen; street without sidewalk; parking lot island < 100 sq ft; parking lot island 100–200 sq ft; parking lot island > 200 sq ft; tree lawn 4–6 feet wide; tree lawn > 6 ft wide; highway median; shade

Description

Height: 40 to 50 feet

Spread: 35 to 50 feet

Crown uniformity: symmetrical

Crown shape: round, vase

Crown density: moderate

Growth rate: fast

Texture: medium

Foliage

Leaf arrangement: opposite/subopposite (Figure 3)

Leaf type: palmately compound

Leaf margin: entire, undulate

Leaf shape: oblong, elliptic (oval)

Leaf venation: pinnate

Leaf type and persistence: semi-evergreen, deciduous

Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches

Leaf color: green

Fall color: no color change

Fall characteristic: not showy

Flower

Flower color: pink

Flower characteristics: very showy

Fruit

Fruit shape: pod or pod-like, elongated

Fruit length: 3 to 6 inches, 6 to 12 inches

Fruit covering: dry or hard

Fruit color: brown

Fruit characteristics: does not attract wildlife; showy; fruit/leaves not a litter problem

Trunk and Branches

Trunk/bark/branches: branches don't droop; not showy; typically one trunk; thorns

Pruning requirement: needed for strong structure

Breakage: resistant

Current year twig color: brown

Current year twig thickness: medium

Wood specific gravity: unknown

Culture

Light requirement: full sun

Soil tolerances: clay; sand; loam; alkaline; acidic; well-drained

Drought tolerance: high

Aerosol salt tolerance: unknown

Other

Roots: not a problem

Winter interest: no

Outstanding tree: yes

Ozone sensitivity: unknown

Verticillium wilt susceptibility: unknown

Pest resistance: free of serious pests and diseases

Use and Management

Pink trumpet tree would make a nice tree for planting along a boulevard or residential street where there is plenty of soil space for root development. Prune major limbs so they remain about one-half the diameter of the trunk so they remain well secured to the trunk. This is a tree you will want to keep around, once you see it in flower.

Pink trumpet tree should be grown in full sun or partial shade on rich, well-drained soil.

Propagation is by seed, cuttings, or layering. Trees flower at an early age.

Pests and Diseases

No pests or diseases are of major concern.

Literature Cited

University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. 2018. "Assessment of Non-native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas" (https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu, 4/29/2019) Gainesville, FL, 32611-4000, USA.