About
Catalpa ovata is a medium-sized tree characterized by its broad, rounded canopy, typically growing to a height of around 10 meters. The leaves can measure up to 25 centimeters in length and are pale green with a broadly oval shape, frequently exhibiting three lobes. During mid to late summer, the tree produces substantial, upright clusters of cream-colored, bell-shaped blooms, featuring orange and purple markings within the throat. After flowering, it develops elongated, slender pods that hang down, resembling beans.
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
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- 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
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to verticillium wilt and rarely, honey fungus