Catalpa speciosa
catawba
A tall, spreading tree with large, heart-shaped leaves. Large purple-spotted, white flowers sparsely borne in July, followed by long, slender seedpods
Other common names
bois chavanoncigar tree
see moreearly-flowering catalpa
hardy catalpa
northern catalpa
shawnee wood
western catalpa
Indian cigar
Synonyms
Catalpa cordifoliaSize
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple White Yellow | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | Brown | ||
Winter | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Bignoniaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
Catalpa are deciduous trees of spreading habit, with handsome, large leaves and erect panicles of showy, bell-shaped flowers in late summer, followed by persistent, slender bean-like seed capsules
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C & E USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a moist but well-drained, fertile soil in a sunny position; will tolerate a heavy clay soil. Shelter from strong winds as these may shred the large leaves. Protect from late spring frosts when young
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to verticillium wilt and rarely, honey fungus
Get involved
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