Tabebuia heterophylla
 
Common Names: Pink Trumpet Tree, White Cedar, Apamate, Caribbean Trumpet Tree
 
Zones: 10A–11
 
A graceful, semi-deciduous tree native to the Caribbean, Tabebuia heterophylla is prized for its soft pink to lavender trumpet-shaped flowers and its tolerance to coastal conditions. Blooming in spring and intermittently throughout the year, it offers a lighter, more delicate alternative to golden Tabebuia species. Its compact form and salt tolerance make it ideal for streetscapes, coastal gardens, and civic plantings in South Florida and other frost-free regions.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Upright; rounded to oval canopy; moderate growth rate
Height: Typically 25–35 ft (7.6–10.6 m); spread 20–30 ft (6–9 m)
Trunk: Light gray to brown; smooth to slightly fissured; often straight
Leaves: Variable (hence “heterophylla”); usually palmately compound with 3–5 leaflets; bright green
Inflorescence: Clusters of soft pink to lavender trumpet-shaped flowers; 2–3 in. (5–8 cm) wide; bloom spring and sporadically year-round
Fruit: Long, slender capsules; brown; contain winged seeds; not ornamental
Ecology: Native to dry forests and coastal zones; attracts hummingbirds and bees
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun
Watering: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Sandy to loamy; well-drained; tolerates alkaline and poor soils
Temperature: Tolerates 28–100°F (–2 to 38°C); thrives in 70–90°F (21–32°C)
Humidity: Moderate to high; adapted to subtropical and coastal climates
Propagation: By seed or cuttings; fast to establish
Tolerance: Salt, drought, and urban pollution tolerant; not frost-hardy
 
Landscape Use
Best suited for coastal gardens, civic landscapes, and specimen plantings. Its soft floral tones and compact form make it a favorite in South Florida designs. Pairs well with Cordia sebestena, Guaiacum sanctum, and Thrinax radiata in salt-tolerant, pollinator-friendly compositions.