Pink Shower (Cassia leptophylla) is a tropical tree native to Brazil that commands attention with its dramatic springtime display of pink flowers and showy bean-like seed pods. Growing 30 to 50 feet tall and spreading 20 to 40 feet wide, this ornamental thrives in hardiness zones 10 to 12 where it can be sited in full sun with moderate water and moderate maintenance. Its open-crowned form and slightly drooping branches create an elegant silhouette year-round, but the real spectacle unfolds from April through September when fragrant blooms and attractive fruit emerge in succession.
Full Sun
Moderate
10-12
600in H x 480in W
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Moderate
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This Brazilian native delivers a sustained show of pink flowers that stretches across most of the growing season, peaking from July through August when blooms appear in greatest concentration. The large pinnate leaves create a graceful, airy canopy, while the showy seed pods that follow the flowers add textural interest long after petals drop. Established trees tolerate drought remarkably well, making them increasingly popular in water-conscious landscapes across tropical and subtropical regions where they now grow as prized ornamentals.
Pink Shower serves as a flowering tree, shade tree, and street tree in warm climates. Its substantial mature size, attractive canopy structure, and extended bloom season make it well-suited to landscape settings where both aesthetic impact and dappled shade are desired. The large seed pods contribute to its visual interest and complement its role as a specimen tree in ornamental gardens.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Space trees to allow for their mature spread of 20 to 40 feet, accounting for their open-crowned form with slightly drooping branches.
Propagate from seed sown in average, well-draining soil in full sun. Germination occurs reliably when provided appropriate warmth and moisture.
Pruning is generally minimal, as the tree's naturally open-crowned form with spreading, slightly drooping branches creates an attractive silhouette without intervention. Remove any crossing or damaged branches to maintain the tree's graceful structure and encourage air circulation through the canopy.
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“Cassia leptophylla originates from the lowland tropical forests of Brazil, where it evolved as a large, dramatic flowering tree. In its native habitat, the species produces impressive pinnate foliage and substantial seed pods alongside its showy blooms. Over the past century, horticulturists recognized its ornamental potential and began cultivating it beyond South America. Today it is grown primarily as an ornamental in tropical and subtropical gardens worldwide, valued for both its aesthetic appeal and its relatively low maintenance requirements once established.”