Description

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The Tabebuia impetiginosa (Pink Ipe) is of moderate size, it reaches 20 feet when mature. Additionally, it has a globose open crown with upright branches, and rough brownish furrowed bark. Its dark green leaves are opposite and elliptical with slightly serrated edges. The leaves are palmately compound typically with 5 leaflets and overall about 5 inches long. The pink flowers are borne in rounded clusters at branch ends. Also, the blooms are different shades of pink with a yellow throat, about 2 to 3 inches long by 2 inches wide.

Furthermore, the fruit is narrow capsule containing winged seeds, up to 1 foot long. Hummingbirds, bees and other insects are attracted to and pollinate the flowers. The tree is propagated from seed or cuttings. Pink Ipe is also a timber tree in its native area, yielding dense hard wood (called ipe) used for structural beams and outdoor decks. The inner bark is used in herbal medicine preparations.

In cultivation, pink ipe will grow in any well-drained type of soil and is free of pests and diseases. Pruning improves the plant’s appearance and is well-tolerated. As a landscape plant, Tabebuia impetiginosa (Pink Ipe) is a very good tree for street sides, medians, and parking lot islands. In parks and lawns, Pink Ipe will put on its own flower show each year.

Other names: Handroanthus impetiginosus, Pink Ipe, Pink Trumpet tree, Purple Trumpet Tree