How to Grow Pink Trumpet Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Pink trumpet tree is a species of flowering tree in the family Bignoniaceae, native to the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. Growing to a height of 20–30 m (66–98 ft), it is an evergreen tree with a spreading crown and pinnate leaves with up to 21 oval leaflets. The flowers are large, tubular, and strongly scented, varying in color from white to pink or purple. They are borne in panicles of up to 60 flowers, and are pollinated by bees and birds. The fruit is a long, thin, woody capsule containing numerous small seeds. The pink trumpet tree is a popular ornamental tree in subtropical and tropical regions, and is widely planted in Brazil and other countries in South America, Africa, and Asia. It has also been introduced to Florida and California. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils and climates, and can be grown in full sun or shade. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established, and is often used as a street tree or in public parks.

How to Grow Pink Trumpet Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • pink trumpet tree: pink trumpet, pink trumpet tree, pink bell, pink shower
  • pink trumpet vine: pink trumpet, pink trumpet vine, pink bell, pink shower
  • red trumpet tree: red trumpet, red trumpet tree, red bell, red shower
  • orange trumpet tree: orange trumpet, orange trumpet tree, orange bell, orange shower
  • yellow trumpet tree: yellow trumpet, yellow trumpet tree, yellow bell, yellow shower

Basic info

  • The pink trumpet tree is a native of Mexico and Central America.
  • It is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 30-40 feet.
  • The tree has a diameter of 2-3 feet and a spreading crown.
  • The leaves are simple, ovate-shaped and 7-10 inches long.
  • The flowers are pink, trumpet-shaped and borne in clusters.
  • The tree blooms from April to June.
  • The fruits are oblong, fleshy and contain many seeds.
  • The tree is used as an ornamental plant in parks and gardens.
  • It is also used for making furniture, cabinets and musical instruments.
  • The pink trumpet tree is propagated from seed.

Related plant:
Buddleja Davidii Pink Delight

Growing Steps

  1. For pink trumpet tree, first step is to start with the planting the tree. You can use the seeds or the cutting for this.
  2. The next step is to water the tree regularly. This is important for the growth of the tree.
  3. The third step is to fertilize the tree. This will help the tree to get the nutrients it needs for the growth.
  4. The fourth step is to prune the tree. This will help to shape the tree and also to remove the dead branches.
  5. The fifth step is to protect the tree from the pests and the diseases. This is important for the growth of the tree.
  6. The sixth step is to harvests the tree. This is the time when you can get the fruits from the tree.
  7. The seventh step is to plant the tree again. This will help to increase the number of trees.
  8. The eighth step is to water the tree regularly.
  9. The ninth step is to fertilize the tree.
  10. The tenth step is to prune the tree.

Related plant:
Pink Magnolia Tree

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the best one for planting a pink trumpet tree is the loamy soil which is the mixture of sand, clay, and silt. This soil has good drainage and is able to hold a good amount of moisture. Also, the tree does not like to live in a place that always wet or very dry.

Light condition

Similar to other trees, the pink trumpet tree needs sun to grow. It should be planted in an area that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The amount of sun it gets will affect the tree's growth and how many flowers it produces. Too much shade will cause the tree to produce fewer flowers.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is optimal for the growth of the pink trumpet tree is one that is warm and humid. This tree is native to regions that have these types of conditions, such as parts of Central and South America. They will also tolerate cooler temperatures as long as they do not drop below freezing for extended periods of time.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%-70%. Pink trumpet tree does not tolerate low humidity for long periods of time. If the humidity drops below 50% for an extended period of time, the leaves will start to drop off the plant.

The Fertilizer

Discussing fertilizer, this type of plant food is necessary to maintain healthy growth and vibrant color in your pink trumpet tree. The best time to fertilize is in early spring and again in midsummer. A slow-release fertilizer is ideal and should be applied according to the package directions. It's also important to keep the roots of your pink trumpet tree healthy. This can be done by watering deeply and regularly, as well as mulching to help retain moisture.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of plant care, and it is especially important for trumpet trees. Trumpet trees are fast-growing, so they require regular pruning to keep them healthy and prevent them from getting out of control. Pruning also helps to encourage new growth and keep the tree looking its best. To prune a trumpet tree, start by removing any dead or dying branches. Then, cut back any overgrown branches to maintain the desired shape of the tree. Finally, cut back any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of pink trumpet tree is best done through seed germination. Seeds should be sown in well-drained, sterile potting mix and covered with a thin layer of sand. Seeds will germinate in 21-30 days at a temperature of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Once seedlings have germinated, they should be transplanted into individual pots filled with well-drained potting mix. Pink trumpet trees can also be propagated through rooted cuttings taken from new growth. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of branches and should be 6-8 inches long. Cuttings should be rooted in well-drained, sterile potting mix and kept at a temperature of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is rapid, with an increase of 6 to 12 inches per year. Once they are established, they continue to grow at a moderate rate. Pink trumpet trees can reach a height of 40 to 50 feet and a width of 25 to 30 feet.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are poor drainage, over-watering, and fertilizer burn. If the plant is not getting enough water, it will start to wilt and the leaves will turn yellow. If the plant is getting too much water, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off. Fertilizer burn will cause the leaves to turn brown and dry out.

Tips on Growing

  • Do not forget to water your plant regularly.
  • The pink trumpet tree loves the sun, so make sure to place it in a sunny spot.
  • Fertilize your plant every two weeks during the growing season.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly.
  • Harvest the flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming.
  • Pink trumpet trees are relatively drought tolerant, but they will perform best with consistent moisture.
  • Amend the soil with organic matter before planting to improve drainage.
  • Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  • Be sure to plant your pink trumpet tree in an area with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

Similar Plants

  • Bauhinia esculenta
  • Bauhinia variegata
  • Bauhinia glauca
  • Bauhinia confusa
  • Bauhinia ungulata
  • Bauhinia blakeana
  • Bauhinia brachycarpa
  • Bauhinia coral
  • Bauhinia forficata
  • Bauhinia Tomentosa

Source:
Tabebuia heptaphylla: Pink Trumpet Tree1 - academia.edu
pink trumpet tree - trees.stanford.edu
Tabebuia heptaphylla Pink Trumpet Tree - University of Florida

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Trees Category