Yellow Tabebuia (Tabebuia spp.)
Yellow Tabebuia, or Trumpet Tree, is a small to medium (15 to 25 feet tall), deciduous, flowering tree in the Catalpa family, native to South America. Its clusters of tubular, yellow flowers bloom at the ends of the twigs and branches in the spring and make the tree a stunning landscape ornamental for the garden, in containers, or as a bonsai.
All parts of the tree are mildly toxic but a decoction of the inner bark is used locally as a folk remedy in rural areas of South America to treat many conditions as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial and as a remedy for Type 2 diabetes in Mexico.
Yellow Tabebuia grows best in well-draining soil in the full sun and can be pruned during the dormant period in the winter to maintain its shape. It is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Plant Type: Deciduous, flowering tree
Harvest Season: Foliage: Spring through fall; Flowers: Spring
Mature Size: 15 to 25 feet; Easy to prune and maintain for container or bonsai size
Soil & Moisture: Fertile, fast-draining soil. Water when the top 2 inches of soil becomes dry and when it is establishing. Water the surrounding soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. Never allow the soil to become soggy.
Light Requirements: Full sun
Self-Fertile: No
Growth Rate: Medium
Zone Hardiness: Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection until well-established; Patio/Greenhouse 4+