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Catalpa speciosa 'Pulverulenta' (v)

catawba 'Pulverulenta'

A slow-growing, spreading tree with large, heart-shaped leaves heavily speckled with creamy-white. Upright sprays of purple- and yellow-spotted, white flowers form on mature trees in mid-summer, followed by long, slender bean-like seedpods

Synonyms
Catalpa bignonioides subsp. pulverulenta

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Variegated White
Summer Purple White Yellow Green Variegated White
Autumn Green Variegated White Brown
Winter Brown
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or East–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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a moist but well-drained, fertile soil in a sunny position. 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
  • Sub-tropical
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
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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