Tabebuia caraiba, Tabebuia argentea
Family: Bignoniaceae
Silver Trumpet Tree
Origin: Brazil
This Tabebuia is one over 100 species with blooms starting near the first day of spring in South Florida. Its masses of yellow trumpet flowers catch everyones eye in season. The foliage is mostly deciduous. Some trees lose leaves prior to blooming while others can hold some of their old leaves while in flower. One good trick is to cut off all added water 6-8 weeks before spring. This will encourage leaf drop and produce a much heavier show of flowers. All Tabebuias in irrigated landscapes are poorer bloomers due to this excess water. The trunk and wood of this Tabebuia is also very interesting. This variety has brittle wood that breaks in strong winds, but the tree always comes back. Newly planted large field grown trees take several years to stabilize root strength, so strong storms can easily topple large, newly planted trees. Stand them up immediately. Use this tree for small spaces, in full sun, on well drained soil. The tree has no pests.
