About
Catalpa bignonioides 'Nana' is a compact, deciduous shrub that typically reaches a height of around 1.8 meters. It is commonly grafted onto a taller rootstock of Catalpa bignonioides. The foliage consists of large, heart-shaped leaves that are a medium green. This variety is known for its infrequent flowering.
About the genus
Catalpa are broad-spreading deciduous trees characterized by their large, attractive leaves and upright clusters of bell-shaped flowers that appear in late summer. After flowering, they produce elongated, slender seed pods that remain on the tree.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
- 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
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or grafting in winter
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to verticillium wilt and rarely, honey fungus