We are in the tropics, and we don’t get the snowy white coats during Christmas time, but we do get beautiful, flowering winter trees!
What are tropical winters?
Even though a tropical winter is a season that typically stands apart from the traditional idea of winter, we do experience some changes. For instance, tropical winters feature mild temperatures. Unlike the cold and snow of temperate winters, tropical winters are marked by comfortable days with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low-80s°F. Nights may be slightly cooler but rarely chilly.
And since “winter” coincides with the dry season, we experience less rainfall and lower humidity, plus mostly clear, sunny skies with fewer clouds and less storm activity, making it a perfect time to enjoy the outdoors.
While some trees may shed leaves, others flourish. Vibrant blooming tropical trees like Bauhinia × blakeana, Calliandra, and Saracas thrive in winter, adding beauty to the season. This time of year also aligns with holidays and festivals, blending the warmth of the season with celebrations. In South Florida, for example, a tropical winter is ideal for enjoying beach outings, patio dining, or showcasing the beauty of winter-blooming trees in landscaping projects.
Here are our top favorites to keep in mind. Choose your favorite and enjoy their festive winter shine!
Winter Flowering Trees
Bauhinia X Blakeana
The Bauhinia × blakeana, known as the Hong Kong orchid tree, is one of our favorite winter-blooming trees in South Florida. With large, vibrant, orchid-like flowers in shades of deep pink to purple that bloom from late fall through winter, this tree is sure to brighten the landscape during a season when most other trees remain dormant. Plus, its long blooming period makes it a standout choice.
Aside from its flowering habit, this tree is also admired for its lush, semi-evergreen foliage and unique butterfly-shaped (bilobate) leaves that add interest even when it’s not in bloom. It suits a variety of landscaping needs and requires minimal care once established, as it tolerates occasional drought and thrives in full sun for optimal flowering.
Calliandra Surinamensis
Better known as the pink powderpuff tree, the Calliandra surinamensis is definitely another standout winter flowering tree in South Florida. This tropical tree produces clusters of delicate, powderpuff-like flowers in soft pink and white hues, adding a vibrant and colorful splash to the landscape during the cooler months. Its consistent blooming habit ensures visual appeal even when other trees are less active.
In addition to its striking powderpuff flowers, this tree features feathery, fern-like foliage that provides a lush, textured backdrop year-round. Compact and versatile, the Calliandra surinamensis works well in various landscape designs, from privacy hedges to ornamental features. It thrives in South Florida’s tropical climate, prefers full sun to partial shade, and requires minimal care once established, handling occasional dry spells with ease.
With its graceful appearance and low-maintenance nature, the pink powderpuff tree is a top choice for creating vibrant and inviting outdoor spaces.
Saraca Indica & Saraca Thaipingensis
The Saraca indica (Ashoka tree) and Saraca thaipingensis (Yellow Saraca tree) are exceptional winter-blooming choices that brighten South Florida’s landscapes. These tropical trees produce clusters of vibrant flowers that emerge directly from their branches, creating a striking floral display during the cooler months.
While the Saraca indica dazzles with fiery blossoms in shades of bright orange, yellow, and red, the Saraca thaipingensis offers cascading clusters of golden-yellow flowers, often tinged with orange. Both trees add warmth and vibrant hues to the landscape.
In addition to their stunning blooms, these trees are admired for their attractive foliage. The Ashoka tree features glossy, dark-green leaves that provide a lush, evergreen backdrop. Additionally, when the flush of new leaves occurs, it is completely delightful, as they unfurl in shades of pink or bronze before maturing to glossy green. Their compact forms and versatile growth habits make them ideal accent trees for gardens, shaded walkways, or as focal points.
Thriving in South Florida’s warm, humid climate, these trees prefer partial to full sun and well-drained soil.
Euphorbia Punicea
Commonly known as the Jamaican poinsettia, Euphorbia punicea is a striking winter-flowering tree or shrub that adds color and texture to South Florida landscapes. This tropical beauty produces clusters of small, bright red to pinkish-red flowers that create an eye-catching display during the cooler months. Plus, as its name suggests, Euphorbia punicea is related to the well-known poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), often referred to as the Christmas flower, making it a perfect addition for the season.
In addition to its stunning flowers, Euphorbia punicea is admired for its attractive, leathery, dark green leaves of succulent nature, which provide a lush backdrop throughout the year. As the flowers emerge, the contrast between the vibrant blooms and the green foliage makes them stand out.
Excelling in South Florida’s warm, humid climate, Euphorbia punicea prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Once established, it requires minimal care.
Brunfelsia pauciflora
Better known as the Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow plant, Brunfelsia pauciflora is a striking winter-blooming shrub that adds color and fragrance to South Florida landscapes. It produces clusters of delicate flowers that change color as they bloom, starting as purple, transitioning to lavender, and finally fading to white. This unique color transformation creates an eye-catching display.
Additionally, Brunfelsia pauciflora is admired for its glossy, dark-green leaves, which provide a lush backdrop year-round, offering a great contrast to the vibrant blooms. The flowers also emit a sweet, pleasant fragrance, especially during the evenings, adding an aromatic element to the landscape.
Performing well in South Florida’s warm, humid climate, Brunfelsia pauciflora prefers partial sun to full sun and well-drained soil.
Michelia alba
Commonly known as the White Champaca, Michelia alba is an evergreen tree that not only adds a sweet fragrance to South Florida landscapes but also produces large, creamy-white, fragrant flowers that bloom in clusters, making its delicate, waxy petals an eye-catching feature. This creates a striking display during the cooler months of the year.
Thanks to its stunning blooms, Michelia alba’s graceful form and fragrant flowers make it a popular choice for accent trees, perfect for patios where its scent can be fully appreciated. Flourishing in South Florida’s warm, humid climate, Michelia alba prefers partial to full sun and well-drained soil.
Senna polyphylla
Senna polyphylla, also known as the Desert Cassia, is a colorful, low-maintenance tree that perfectly complements South Florida landscapes. This tropical tree produces bright yellow, funnel-shaped flowers in clusters that bloom during the ‘winter’ months, providing a burst of color against its green foliage. Additionally, the tree’s attractive, compound leaves create a fine-textured backdrop, adding interest to the landscape.
Known for its drought-tolerant nature and resilience in South Florida’s tropical climate, Senna polyphylla performs well under full sun and well-drained soil, making it a standout low-maintenance choice.
Season Ready TreeWorld Wholesale
At TreeWorld Wholesale, we’ve got you covered! Blooming through all seasons, Christmas time is no stranger to our tropical winter flowering trees. Visit us or make an appointment today calling us at 305-245-6886 to check them out. And remember, if you’re designing a year-round performance landscape, winter flowering trees are a must. If you need information on our products and specifications, don’t forget to check out our guide list!
Looking to enhance your landscape further? Check out our article on accent trees to find the perfect focal point for your garden!
