Have you ever seen fall in Florida blush pink instead of turning gold?
If you are around during November in Florida, you are probably acquainted with our subtropical “pink season.” A surprising flush of trees with pink flowers, that announce the arrival of the dry season in the sunshine state. And while other regions fade into browns and golds, Florida bursts with blush tones and orchid hues.
When the Dry Air Turns Pink
As the rest of the country settles into shades of gold and gray, Florida quietly slips into its own kind of fall. A season defined not by cold fronts, but by clear skies, mild breezes, and bursts of color. November marks the start of the dry season, when the heavy rains fade and the tropical light turns softer, revealing one of the state’s most charming transitions: the pink blossom tree.
When it comes to the best trees for autumn color, Florida has its own subtropical twist. Instead of fiery reds and oranges, our autumn trees bloom in radiant pinks and purples. And, we have two standouts for the season are Chorisia speciosa (Silk Floss Tree) and Bauhinia × blakeana (Hong Kong Orchid Tree). As these blush and transform landscapes from October through December, or even longer in the case of the Bauhinia. And of course, we can’t forget the dreamy Pink Cassia, which blooms closer to spring but still deserves a mention as a memorable member of Florida’s pink palette.
Together, they define Florida’s “pink season,” a quiet, radiant celebration of the subtropical fall. Whether in coastal gardens or urban landscapes, these trees for autumn color capture the essence of the season: light, renewal, and a touch of tropical romance.
What are the best trees for autumn color?
A pink blossom tree of pure contrast – Chorisia Speciosa
There’s something irresistibly alluring about the Silk Floss Tree (Chorisia speciosa), a tree of striking contrasts. Its thick trunk is studded with thorny spines, almost sculptural in form, as if guarding the beauty it holds within.
Native to the tropical and subtropical forests of Argentina and Brazil, the Silk Floss Tree can reach heights of 40 to 60 feet, forming an umbrella-like crown over time. In southern Florida, parts of California, and Hawaii, it performs exceptionally well.
With its striking thorny trunk, green in youth and maturing to gray, adds year-round interest. While its palmate leaves with five to seven lance-shaped leaflets, create a lush, tropical canopy. By late October in Florida, those leaves drop.
And, just when the dry season arrives, it bursts into bloom with an explosion of silky, hibiscus-like flowers in shades of pink, magenta, and white. Both rough and sweet, fierce yet delicate, it feels like a living paradox. Perfectly suited to Florida landscapes and one of our best trees for autumn color.
Design Tip: Let it steal the show. Plant it as a statement piece in an open lawn or near a pond or pool where its sculptural trunk and glossy blooms can shine.
Florida’s bolder autumn bloom – Bauhinia × blakeana
If the Silk Floss Tree blushes, the Hong Kong Orchid Tree (Bauhinia × blakeana) boldly blooms. This is no shy tree. Its large, magenta-pink flowers light up the landscape from late fall through early spring, carrying color through Florida’s dry season when most gardens elsewhere fall quiet. It’s a pink blossom tree that embodies Florida’s spirit: radiant, resilient, and endlessly in bloom.
Semi-evergreen and graceful, the Hong Kong Orchid Tree holds onto its lush, butterfly-shaped leaves even as it bursts with abundant orchid-like flowers. Blooming peaks between Novembr and February, often extending into March.
Adding months of tropical color to coastal and urban landscapes. Growing 20 to 40 feet tall, it develops a rounded, spreading canopy of soft gray-green foliage, creating a striking silhouette in both residential and city landscapes.
Beyond its beauty, this tree with pink flowers is also practical. Its blooms are sterile, meaning it won’t produce the long seed pods typical of other orchid trees (for example, Bauhinia Candida – White Orchid) , making it a cleaner and more manageable choice. It’s no wonder it’s become the Orchid Tree of choice for South Florida’s landscapes. Where its bold colors and easy nature perfectly complement the state’s subtropical charm.
Design Tip: Perfect along driveways, patios, or courtyards. Its wide canopy gives just enough shade without making a mess (hybrid), so it’s great for high-traffic spots.
Florida’s softest shade of pink – Pink Cassia
Graceful and delicate, the Pink Cassia (Cassia bakeriana) adds a softer note to Florida’s palette of pink blooms. Native to northern Thailand, this small to medium tree with pink flowers typically reaches about 30 feet in height, forming a wide, spreading crown with arching branches that create a graceful silhouette when in bloom.
Unlike the bold hues of the Hong Kong Orchid Tree, the Pink Cassia leans toward gentler tones. A cascade of soft blush-pink flowers gradually fades to near white. Its profuse clusters of fragrant, pink-purple blossoms with bright yellow stamens appear in upright sprays, transforming the canopy into a dreamy haze of color.
Though its peak flowering comes a bit later. From late winter into early spring, typically March and April. This pink blossom tree deserves an honorable mention among Florida’s favorites.
When in bloom, it’s a moving sight: elegant, romantic, and a quiet reminder that even as seasons shift, there’s always room for softness in the subtropical landscape.
For landscapers seeking small trees for pink color, the Cassia bakeriana is dreamy while it bridges winter’s end and spring’s awakening.
Design Tip: Soft and dreamy. Pair it with silver or lime-green foliage for that pastel, romantic vibe. Perfect for brightening up garden corners or along pathways.
Inspired by Florida’s pink blossom trees?
Here are some more trees with pink flowers to explore. Like the:
Each with its own twist on the season. From bold magenta blooms to soft lavender-pink tones, these pink blossom trees add depth and blush tones to Florida landscapes.
And for more options, visit us to experience our own autumn blush. At TreeWorld, you’re sure to find your color!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these pink-blossom trees need full sun?
Yes, all three tropical bloomers perform best in full sun. Give them plenty of light and space to spread their canopies. A perfect match to Florida climate
Are they messy or high-maintenance?
Not really. For example, the Hong Kong Orchid Tree is actually sterile, so it doesn’t drop seed pods like other species. The Silk Floss and Pink Cassia shed leaves before flowering, but the cleanup is minimal compared to other tropical bloomers.
How fast do these pink-blooming trees grow?
They grow at a moderate pace, especially in warm, sunny conditions like Florida. Expect steady growth, and a lithe faster for Hong Kong Orchid and Pink Cassia.
Are pink-blooming trees drought-tolerant?
Yes, once established. These trees actually prefer drier months and thrive during Florida’s dry season.
Are trees with pink flowers salt-tolerant?
Their salt tolerance varies. The Hong Kong Orchid Tree handles coastal conditions fairly well and is moderately salt-tolerant. The Silk Floss Tree prefers inland areas, as it’s sensitive to strong salt spray. The Pink Cassia falls in between, tolerating light salt exposure but not direct beachfront conditions.
