Bow Trumpetbush Plant Care

Bow Trumpetbush (Dolichandrone arcuata) belongs to the Bignoniaceae family within the Dolichandrone genus. Bow Trumpetbush is native to the dry, deciduous forests of the Eastern Ghats in the Indian subcontinent.

Bow Trumpetbush displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Bow Trumpetbush produces showy clusters of tubular, pink or purple flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bow Trumpetbush every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Bow Trumpetbush thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Dolichandrone arcuata tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Bow Trumpetbush prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Bow Trumpetbush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bow Trumpetbush every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bow Trumpetbush is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Bow Trumpetbush can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Bow Trumpetbush while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Bow Trumpetbush is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Bow Trumpetbush can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to handkerchief tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Bow Trumpetbush is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Bow Trumpetbush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Bow Trumpetbush is native to the dry, deciduous forests of the Eastern Ghats in the Indian subcontinent. In cooler regions, grow Bow Trumpetbush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.