White Ipe Plant Care

White Ipe (Handroanthus albus) belongs to the Bignoniaceae family within the Handroanthus genus. White Ipe is native to Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and the Cerrado of Brazil. White Ipe is also known as White Trumpet Tree, Yellow Ipe.

White Ipe displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. White Ipe produces showy trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of yellow, orange, or pink.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted White Ipe 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.

White Ipe thrives in full sun.

Handroanthus albus tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. White Ipe prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for White Ipe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed White Ipe 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 and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

White Ipe 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.

White Ipe 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 White Ipe 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.

White Ipe 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.

White Ipe can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to golden trumpet tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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White Ipe is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. 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.

White Ipe grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. White Ipe is native to Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and the Cerrado of Brazil. In cooler regions, grow White Ipe as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.