TRUMPET TREE

Trumpet trees are vntive to the tropical Americas. Showy, trumpet-shaped flowers are borne in rounded clusters that become larger and more profuse as trees mature. Leaves are typically green; may be simple (undivided) or divided into as many as seven leaflets arranged like fingers of hand. Number of leaflets is often variable within a species.

These trees tend to be gangly or irregular when young; benefit from training in early years. Need well-drained soil; respond well to regular fertilizing. All are useful as color accents and as stand-alone flowering trees for display. Larger types are excellent as street or park plantings; smaller species make beautiful patio trees or container plants.

• Semievergreen.
• Grows 15 to 25 feet high and 10 to 15 feet wide, with a dense, usually asymmetrical crown.
• Silvery leaves are divided into narrow leaflets.
• In late winter, just after leaf drop, the tree is covered with 2 to 3 inches-long golden yellow flowers.

• Briefly deciduous.
• Grows to 25 to 50 feet high and wide.
• Young twigs, leaf undersides covered with tawny fuzz.
• Golden yellow flowers are 3 to 4 inches long, often with maroon stripes in throat. Blooms most heavily in spring, when tree loses leaves for brief period.
• May also bloom lightly at other times, when in leaf.

• Evergreen to semievergreen.
• Slender habit to 40 feet tall, 20 feet wide; sometimes grown as a large shrub.
• Flowers 2 to 3 inches long, in colors ranging from pinkish purple through pink shades to white.
• Blossoms appear abundantly in spring but may also be seen occasionally throughout the rest of the year.

• Semievergreen.
• Slow to 25 to 50 feet high and wide.
• In late winter or spring, bears 2 to 3 inches flowers in white to light pink and purple.
• May rebloom in late summer or fall.
• Does not bloom as a young tree.