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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 chavanon
cigar tree
see moreearly-flowering catalpa
hardy catalpa
northern catalpa
shawnee wood
western catalpa
Indian cigar
Synonyms
Catalpa cordifolia

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H6
Botanical 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

Propagate by softwood cuttings or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
Pruning

Pruning group 1 or pruning group 7 if pollarding

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to verticillium wilt and rarely, honey fungus

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