Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Tabebuia chrysotricha

Even people with no knowledge of plants can spot a Tabebuia chrysotricha (tab-eh-BOO-yuh  kriss-oh-TRICK-uh) tree a mile away when it's in bloom. At a time when most other trees are still a drab winter color, this species is a show-off. The bright yellow tubular flowers pop open before new growth emerges in the late winter to early spring. The flowers can be up to three inches in diameter.
Individual trees are variable as to whether they are fully or partially deciduous, but all of them lose more of their leaves after a cold winter. This makes the flowers more visible when they open.
Native to Brazil, they are hardy to 24°F, and grow up to 35 feet tall. They grow best in USDA Zones 9B to 11. Full sun is the preferred exposure.
Flowering starts at a young age and nurseries will often have them blooming in ten-inch pots. The flower buds, leaves, and young stems are all covered with a brown fuzz. Leaves are palmately compound.
Tabebuia chrysotricha is also sometimes known as the Golden Trumpet tree, but several other trees have similar sounding common names.

7 comments:

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

I love seeing these trees in bloom around town every spring.

FlowerLady

p3chandan said...

Such a bright coloured and beautiful blooms. I bet the bees love them!

Nic said...

Very beautiful!

Susan said...

This tree definitely stands out at this time of year...absolutely beautiful!

Giga said...

Nie sadziłam,ze może rosnać w Polsce. Dla ciekawości sprawdziłam i faktycznie może. ładny. Pozdrawiam

Tracy said...

Jim, do you have any idea where I can buy the Tabebuia chrysotricha
(Golden Trumpet Tree) in Orlando? I have been searching and can't find any place to buy them.

Grower Jim said...

Tracy: I sell them. Click on my name for a link to my email address.