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Catalpa bungei misapplied

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

Synonyms
Catalpa kaempferi
Catalpa henryi
see moreCatalpa bungei misapplied
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 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 Cream Green
Autumn Green Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Bignoniaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to verticillium wilt and rarely, honey fungus

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