Handroanthus Species, Golden Trumpet Tree, Golden Trumpet Vine, Yellow Ipe, Yellow Trumpet Tree

Disregard pameladragon's commentary and growing listing for this species because she is growing it unconventionally. T. chrysotricha is N...Read MoreOT hardy in Virginia, and to list it as 'growing' there is insulting since she is clearly growing it as a houseplant in winter and just happens to roll it outdoors when temperatures in her climate are suitable.

What's next? Anyone with a greenhouse -- including those in Canada, Siberia and Alaska all rating the coconut palm as 'growing there' too?

Fantastic, small to medium sized semi-evergreen or winter deciduous flowering tree from Brazil well established in warmer regions across ...Read Morethe U.S.

Formally placed within the Genus Tabebuia, Golden Trumpet Tree as it is commonly known is one of the first species to flower here in Florida and in California where it continues to gain popularity. Easily rivaling the likes of such trees as Dogwoods or any number of spring flowering fruit trees in cooler areas, even smaller sized specimens light up with the first warm days of Spring or late Winter.

Generally deciduous, trees of this species seldom reach a mature height exceeding 25-30' and easily fit into smaller yards, Parks, street medians or larger Parking lot strips.

Closely resembling two other, less commonly encountered, yellow-flowered trumpet trees, some of the distinguishing features of this species are a sandpaper-like feel to the leaves, as well as a copper colored, Felt-like fuzz that covers the flower buds, undersides of the leaves, and the seed pods.

Enjoying full sun, Yellow Trumpet trees thrive when provided well drained soil and moderate water, more so during the summer than during the cooler months of the year. Even so, established trees are considered moderately drought tolerant and seem to produce more prolific spring flower displays if allowed to dry out once the leaves are shed.

Overall, cold hardiness settles somewhere between 24-26F though specimens in CA, particularly around the San Francisco Bay Area, have endured exposure in the lower 20's with only moderate possible effect. Even so, warmer areas of zone 9b seems a best bet for this species. Another well known, larger growing, pink flowered species, has been documented surviving exposure into the upper teens.

While the overall spring display is brief, perhaps happening within a span of a few weeks( longer if weather is cooler), trees are noticeable from quite a distance when in full bloom. Individually, bright yellow trumpets fill branch ends and attract all sorts of interest from both people and Bees alike. Neighborhoods where these trees are utilized as street side specimens is a magnificent sight to behold. While larger trees can shower surrounding areas with carpets of spent blooms, the litter is no worse than the flower drop Jacarandas can create and looks just as good too, imo.

Overall, for warmer climates, this tree is the "Dogwood" or "flowering Almond/Peach" that signals warmer, longer days ahead. Occasionally, some trees will flower during late summer or during early fall though the total display is much less noticeable or impressive.

Seed pods resemble felt textured sickles and open to reveal numerous papery, maple-like seeds that are dispersed on the wind.

While germination rates are high, it is best to sow collected seed as soon as possible for seed of most species of Tabebuia/Handroanthus quickly loose viability once ripe.

I purchased this plant from a grower in Naples, Florida. He steered me to it and away from the more common Tabby that is planted everywh...Read Moreere as a street tree down there because I planned to grow it in Virginia.

This is a very fast grower and precocious bloomer. I carried home a seedling in a quart container and it bloomed the following spring.

The tree lives in our garden room all winter and spends the spring, summer and fall on the patio with the citrus. One year a friend forgot to take it inside for me when we were traveling and it was hit by a hard freeze. Thinking it dead, I left it outside all winter and was surprised to see it regrow from the roots that spring.

It is now in a 5 gallon tub and is 6' tall. When in bloom it is spectacular but is also an attractive foliage plant. The leaves are very ornamental with their brown fuzzy bottoms and are tough.

This species is not as common as the gray leaved street tree but is worth seeking out for indoor cultivation in northern areas for those with room for large specimens.

Propagated by seed and possibly cuttings but I have not tried it.

Tabebuia chrysotricha is the official flower of Brazil. It looks like several other species of yellow trumpet trees, but culturally and b...Read Moreiogeographically, this one represents better the country´s flora.

It´s a desciduous tree, with velvet palmate leaves that fall when it´s starting to bloom. The flowers come in short and dense inflorescences on the end of each branch in early/mid spring, after 3 months of a rather dry winter. It looks spetacular, all covered with yellow! After the last flowers fall, the leaves start to grow again.

It likes heat (tropical climates are the best, but it might tolerate the subtropical southeastern USA), consistently moist organic soil. Don´t be afraid of watering it too much, but when the winter comes, you´d better hold it for longer periods. When the fruits get brown, collect them and let them dry, then break open and collect the seeds. They need to be planted within 7 days, otherwise they won´t germinate (you may often see these flying seeds everywhere when the fruits open, but it´s not easy for them to germinate without some help).

The only complain about this tree is the tiny hairs on the seed pods. They get stuck on your skin, and if you are sensible they could cause allergy.