Catalpa ovata
A medium-sized, spreading tree with a rounded crown, reaching up to 10m. Leaves are up to 25cm long, pale green, broadly oval, often three lobed. In mid-to late summer produces large, upright sprays of cream, bell-shaped flowers with orange and purple spots in the throat, followed by long, narrow, hanging, bean-like pods
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 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 | Cream | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Brown | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, fertile soil in a sunny position; will tolerate a heavy clay soil, even short-term waterlogging. Shelter from strong winds as these may shred the large leaves. Protect from late spring frosts when young
Propagation
Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to verticillium wilt and rarely, honey fungus
Get involved
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