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Pink trumpet tree (ipê) Handroanthus impetiginosus

Pink trumpet tree (ipê) (Handroanthus impetiginosus) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Bignoniaceae family, native to Central and South America (Mexico to northern Argentina). It grows 8–15 m (26–49 ft) tall and 5–9 m (16–30 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -4 °C (25 °F). Space plants about 7 m (23 ft) apart.

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Pink trumpet tree (ipê) at a glance

TypePerennial tree, deciduous
FamilyBignoniaceae
Mature height8–15 m (26–49 ft)
Mature spread5–9 m (16–30 ft)
Spacing7 m (23 ft) centre to centre
SunFull sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day
WaterLow; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance low
Soil pH5.5–7.5
Cold hardinessAbout -4 °C (25 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9)
Heat stressLikely above about 40 °C (104 °F)
Floweringfrom about April for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones)
Wind toleranceModerate
Pollinator valueHigh
EdibleNot grown as food
Native toCentral and South America (Mexico to northern Argentina)
Common in gardens of🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇲🇽 Mexico

Is Pink trumpet tree (ipê) toxic?

Bark contains lapachol, which is toxic in high doses; wood dust and sawing can cause allergic reactions; pet toxicity is not documented.

If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.

Companion planting: what to grow with Pink trumpet tree (ipê)

No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.

See Pink trumpet tree (ipê) in a botanical garden

It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:

Questions about Pink trumpet tree (ipê)

How far apart should I plant Pink trumpet tree (ipê)?
About 7 m (23 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–9 m (16–30 ft).
Does Pink trumpet tree (ipê) need full sun?
Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
How much water does Pink trumpet tree (ipê) need?
Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance low.
How cold-hardy is Pink trumpet tree (ipê)?
It tolerates about -4 °C (25 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
When does Pink trumpet tree (ipê) flower?
From about April for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
Is Pink trumpet tree (ipê) poisonous to cats and dogs?
For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Bark contains lapachol, which is toxic in high doses; wood dust and sawing can cause allergic reactions; pet toxicity is not documented.
What grows well with Pink trumpet tree (ipê)?
There is no well-documented companion pairing for Pink trumpet tree (ipê). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).

Sources and evidence

Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).

Notes and assumptions

Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.

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