Flowering Trees - Naples Attractions | Naples Botanical Garden

the winter flowering trees of naples botanical garden

Some of the best flower displays in the Garden comes from our tropical flowering trees. The flowering tree tours have been broken up into seasons in order the highlight the best trees for the time of year you are visiting. This guide highlights the best of the Gardens winter flowering trees. Remember to look up when walking through the Garden, you could be pleasantly surprised to find flowers hanging over head.

The Hong Kong Orchid Tree, Bauhinia x blakeana, creates bright displays of pink orchid like flowers throughout the winter and into spring. These trees are often confused with a similar orchid tree, Bauhinia variegata, which is invasive in South Florida and should be avoided in new plantings. You can always tell the Hong Kong Orchid Tree because it never has seed pods. (South Grove)-

The Flame of the Forest tree, Butea monosperma, is in the legume family and has vivid orange pea-like flowers. The dark cup or calyx that holds the flower help to make the color that much more vivid. Originally from Southeast Asia, the Flame of the Forest has a long history of cultural uses from religious ceremonies to medicine and timber. (North Grove)-

Red Kapok, Bombax ceiba, is the Asian relative of the American Silk Floss Tree, Ceiba speciosa. This particular tree was moved to the Garden in 2009 from an old abandoned homestead on the Tamiami Trail east of Naples. Its bright red flowers can be seen throughout the garden where there is an open view but its true beauty is appreciated as you get closer and inspect the fallen flowers that scatter around its base. (South Grove)

The various Tabebuia trees throughout the Garden begin flowering in December and as each new species or variety comes into flower another one ends. With over ten varieties of Tabebuia in the Garden, there is always a display of trumpet- shaped pink, white, yellow or peach colored flowers to enjoy. Several of the different Tabebuia species are also used for timber, the most popular being Ipe which use commonly used in decks and be found on the boardwalks in the Children’s Garden and across the Lily Pond and River of Grass. (Various Locations)

The Tropical Hydrangea, Dombeyax ‘Seminole Pink’, is more closely related to cotton and hibiscus than Hydrangea. The flowers of the tropical hydrangea bloom in large dark pink balls making this plant a show stopper. As if having giant bouquets of pink flowers wasn’t enough, it can also bloom for 5 months straight. (FL-IDEA, Café)

The Peach Blossom Cassia, Cassia bakeriana, and the Pink Shower Tree, Cassia javanica, are similar in form and flowers with both having dramatic displays of drooping pink flowers. You can often see the long cylindrical bean pods all year round so that there’s always something interesting to see on this tree. (Asia)

You will usually smell the Ylang-ylang tree, Cananga odorata, before you see its spidery yellow flowers. If this tree smells familiar it may be because it’s used in several well known perfumes including Chanel No. 5. (Labyrinth, Childrens)

The Powder Puff Tree, Calliandra haematocephela, is a large shrub to small tree native to Bolivia. It can bloom continuously through late fall, winter and even into spring with its delicate powder puff like flowers. The Garden grows several varieties including dwarfs that are slower growing and with smaller flowers as well as pink and white flowered varieties. (Brazilian Garden)

The Shaving Brush Tree, Pseudobombax ellipticum, is native to Mexico and Central American and gets its name from its shaving brush-like flowers. The bark of this tree is unusual in that it is often green, particularly when young. The green bark is photosynthetic which means it has chlorophyll and can produce energy from the sun just like the leaves. (Bazilian Garden, Childrens Garden)

As its name implies the Australian Flame Tree, Brachychiton acerifolius, is native to the subtropical regions of Australia. The species name of this tree, acerifolius, references the Maple shaped leaves. Its striking scarlet bell shaped flowers lend the Flame Tree its name as the entire tree turns a flaming red. (South Grove)

The Dwarf Kurrajong Tree, Brachychiton discolor x bidwillii, is a hybrid of two species resulting in a dwarf tree with dramatic red flowers. The fuzzy seed pods can stay for 8 months before splitting open to expose the equally fuzzy bright yellow seeds. (South Grove)

garden hours

Open Daily 9am - 5pm

directions

From US 41 east, take Bayshore Drive south. Travel 1.5 miles to stop sign at Thomasson Drive. Keep straight, staying on Bayshore and enter Garden on the right.

access

ADA accessible paths through all cultivated gardens, paved paths to birding tower. Scooter rentals are available on a first come first serve basis for $12/day.

parking

Parking available inside of the entrance gate.

admission

Members FREE
Adults - $12.95
Children 4-14 - $7.95
3 and under free

helpful phone numbers

239.643.7275
877.433.1874