Florida Live Oaks and Tabebuia Will Make A Seasonal Impact

Keep your snowbird visitors happy by suggesting Live Oaks and Tabebuia thus providing lush greenery and flowering during their stay this winter.

Let’s face it; everybody in the nursery industry, at some point in time or another, has heard a similar statement from one or more of their seasonal clients. “If I wanted to see a bare tree, I would have stayed up North!” says the client seriously.

To this enduring statement, I have developed a somewhat standard answer. “Live Oak and Tabebuia may be just what you’re looking for.” I say confidently.

Their usual answer is “Oh yes, Live Oaks.” Most also follow with the question “What is a Tabebuia?”

At this point in the conversation I have an excellent opportunity to lay it all out on the proverbial line. I warmly dive straight down to in-depth descriptions of how some of the seasons showiest flowering species, namely the Tabebuia trees, perform as they begin to display their winter colors.

“More commonly known as Trumpet Trees, some Tabebuia cultivars prefer to be pollinated during these colder months, hence the profuse blooming. The less frequent rainfall and cooler weather trigger these charming attributes into action. Some if not all leaves drop as the entire tree bursts into bloom, seemingly all at once…..” I can go on and on.

If you too are wondering which of these may be well suited for your customer’s landscape, try suggesting individual varieties that posses the properties and colors that work best for them. You may want to try the Carib, Chrysotricha and Impetiginosa cultivars, just to name a few.

Live Oaks on the other hand need little introduction. Once the clients are reminded of the beautiful canopy that provides summer shade, wildlife attraction and strength, they practically sell themselves.