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Photos and descriptions of the catalpa tree, planting and caring for which differ little from common garden plants, show a surprisingly decorative culture. Her appearance is misleading to many. It may seem that a bright, luxurious tree requires special growing conditions or careful shaping. In fact, planting and growing catalpa is not difficult, and its rapid growth, disease resistance and frost resistance completely justify the work of gardeners.
What is catalpa
The plant, which originates from North America, was considered a sacred tree by the indigenous Mayan tribes.The fragrant flowers of the plant were dedicated to born girls, and the long fruits resembled boys' hairstyles - numerous braids. Growing up, male offspring became warriors, and the shape of the leaves symbolized the hearts of men killed in battle.
Botanists classify Catalpa trees and bushes as relict plants that have been practically untouched by evolution. The beautiful plants grown today had the same appearance before the Ice Age. On the American continent, trees grew along rivers, on wet banks. Species originating from China later colonized Japan, and American catalpas were introduced to Europe.
Today, flowering catalpas can be found in many countries and not necessarily with a tropical climate. They grow in the south and central Russia, China, Eastern India, and Japan. Some types of heat-loving trees have proven to be able to withstand fairly severe winters and are quite suitable for growing in temperate climates.
All types of catalpa in the places of their historical growth were used by the population for medicinal purposes. The Indians used the bark and roots of the tree to treat coughs, malaria, and heal wounds. Chinese medicine uses catalpa in the treatment of tumors, abscesses, diseases of the stomach and respiratory system. The ability of all parts of the plant to sharply lower blood pressure, even to the point of fainting, is known. The roots of the tree are extremely poisonous, so the tree has not found medicinal use in Europe.
Description of the catalpa tree
Catalpa (from Latin – Catalpa) is a small genus in the botanical family Bignoniaceae. There are no more than 25 varieties in the plant species line, only 4 of which are grown in Russia. The genus includes both trees and bush forms of catalpas.There are noticeable differences between the species in the shade of the leaves, their shape, the color of the buds, deciduousness, and other characteristics, but the appearance of the plant remains very characteristic, easily recognizable in any part of the world.
What does a catalpa look like?
The tree in cultivated plantings reaches 5-6 m, while in its homeland it can exceed 20 m. The trunk is powerful, in some species it is erect, columnar, covered with grayish-brown scaly bark. The branches form a dense tent-shaped or spherical crown. Photos of a catalpa tree often show a standard form with a smooth, straight trunk. In free form, the plant can grow a powerful trunk more than 1 m at the base and a spreading irregular crown.
Catalpa leaves are large (up to 30 cm), round, often heart-shaped, attached to the branches with long petioles, and in some species they can be collected in whorls. They appear on trees late - towards the end of May. Until this point, the bare plant may appear dead. The leaves fall in the fall immediately after the temperature drops to 0 °C, almost without changing color.
By autumn, long, thin fruits, reaching 40 cm, ripen on the trees. Multiple hanging pods give the catalpa a very unusual, decorative appearance and do not fall off until spring. The plant received popular nicknames for its appearance. In different parts of the world it is called the “pasta tree” for the abundance of long pods, and “elephant ears” for the shape of the leaves.
How fast does catalpa grow?
From the first months of life, the plant is characterized by rapid growth. The hatched seeds turn into small trees within a few months. Under favorable conditions, the annual growth of an adult plant exceeds 35 cm, in some species (for example, the magnificent Catalpa) - 100 cm.
How catalpa blooms
The most decorative crop begins in June, when spectacular buds bloom on the branches. Catalpa flowers can surprise the most experienced gardeners. They resemble small orchids collected in loose “chestnut” candles. The petals, depending on the variety, range in color from snow-white to purple and are up to 7 cm in diameter. The most common are soft cream petals with yellowish stripes and contrasting specks in the center.
Abundant flowering is accompanied by a sweet, persistent aroma that attracts bees and lasts up to 30 days. Pyramidal, erect inflorescences gradually turn into hanging pods. The ripening, long capsules of the fruit are filled with many volatile seeds.
Frost resistance of catalpa
The culture loves the sun and is a heat-loving species. With sufficient light and a long warm period, the shoots and bark of the catalpa have time to ripen before the cold weather, which allows the tree to winter well. The ability of the heat-loving plant to tolerate frosts above 30 °C was discovered.
The frost resistance of a tree does not directly depend on its species.It has been experimentally established that specimens grown from seed or cuttings of local plants are fully adapted to climate conditions. Seedlings brought from warmer regions take a long time to take root after planting and are susceptible to freezing.
For the central and black earth regions, the following forms of catalpa are recommended:
- Aurea;
- Pictah;
- Nana;
- Captivity.
The magnificent catalpa is best adapted for the conditions of the middle zone. Its trees tolerate even the climate of the northwestern region with a short sunny season. Among the species for cultivation in temperate climates, the types of catalpa are called ovoid and bigniform.
Catalpa root system
A special feature of the plant is the enormous suction power of the root system. The surface roots of the tree are very branched, often protrude from the soil and are able to quickly dry out the soil in the tree trunk circle. Therefore, watering the plants around the catalpa has to be done more often.
Thick roots penetrate deep into the soil up to 2 m, so the groundwater level in the area should not rise higher. The main suction mass falls on the upper 100 cm of the ground, so the trees require frequent watering during the hot season.
Catalpa varieties
The genus Catalpa has a little more than 10 species. Not all of them are suitable for planting in Europe and the Asian part of Russia. Most often used when planting in public parks and private properties are several of the most resilient and beautiful species.
Catalpa bignoniiformes (common)
North American species. The height of an adult tree without special shaping can exceed 20 m. The leaves are shaped like lilac leaves, but larger in size. The common catalpa blooms with white buds decorated with purple specks. The aroma is weak.The crop blooms 5 years after sowing the seeds. Planting from cuttings speeds up the process. The germination rate of planting material is 10-12%.
The frost resistance of the species is low. Young trees require shelter for the winter already in the middle zone. Mature plants from local planting material regularly lose the tips of their branches in winter, which does not interfere with normal flowering.
Catalpa Nana
The low tree grows up to 5 m and is distinguished by its natural spherical crown shape. The plant has slow growth and with age develops a flat crown, and the thin, straight trunk tends to thicken. One of the rare species of catalpa that does not produce flowers. The crop is undemanding to the soil and can tolerate slight shading, which makes it possible to use it for mass plantings, in parks, and landscape gardens.
Catalpa is beautiful (magnificent)
Trees of this species are the tallest of the entire genus, reaching 35 m in height without shaping and are capable of growing powerful, voluminous trunks. The pyramidal crown is formed by branched shoots and large leaves (about 30 cm in length). The buds are large, funnel-shaped, cream-colored with two yellowish stripes and cinnamon-colored spots inside. The species form purverulenta (powdered) with completely pubescent leaves is especially decorative.
The crop is distinguished by its late entry into fruiting. Mature beautiful catalpa trees bloom closer to 10 years of age. The frost resistance and adaptability of the species are higher than other representatives of catalpas. The magnificent catalpa wakes up in the spring earlier than other species forms. Leaves appear by April. The seeds have a high germination rate, reaching 90%.
Catalpa ovoid
A variety imported from China, the name of which reflects the shape of the leaf blades, which are least reminiscent of a heart. In their usual environment, trees grow up to 10 m. Due to annual freezing in the middle zone, domestic specimens do not exceed 2 m in height. A distinctive feature of the species is its short growing season: the plant blooms only in July.
With good care, an ovoid catalpa can bloom within 2 years after planting. The fruits and flowers are much smaller than those of their relatives, and the seeds do not have time to ripen before the cold weather. Catalpa of this species is propagated by cuttings. The survival rate of planting material reaches 30%.
Catalpa hybrid (globular)
The variety was created by cross-pollination of ordinary and ovoid forms. The tree grows up to 15 m and forms a rounded crown. The leaves are large, soft green, have pubescence on the underside and emit a specific unpleasant odor when rubbed. The inflorescences are loose, flowers up to 3 cm in diameter. Hybrid catalpa is especially in demand for landscaping streets and parks.
Catalpa in landscape design
The rapid growth of trees, as well as exceptional decorativeness at any time of the year, have made the crop a favorite among gardeners and landscape designers. Plants are used in single and group plantings, and form alleys. In the urban landscape, trees decorate the areas in front of office, residential buildings, and shops. Resistance to a polluted atmosphere allows you to decorate not only public gardens, but also sidewalks or the sides of major highways.
The combination of several plants of different species with flowers or leaves of different shades increases the decorative nature of the plantings. Catalpa surrounded by a hedge or border of cotoneaster, boxwood, and hawthorn creates a composition that is decorative all year round.
In small areas, a large catalpa (magnificent or bignonia) creates the main accent and serves as the center of the entire garden composition. In large gardens, it is successful to plant the crop next to oak, paulownia, magnolia, and coniferous trees.
Fragrant flowering plants are excellent honey plants; the leaves emit volatile compounds that repel blood-sucking insects, and the tent-like crowns of the trees provide very dense shade. Thanks to these advantages, the tall catalpa very quickly became a favorite in private gardens, courtyards and outdoor recreation areas.
The roots of the plant perfectly penetrate and hold the soil, which serves to secure the loose banks of reservoirs.
Catalpa on a trunk in landscape design perfectly frames paths, complements flower beds, leaving space for ornamental grasses, primroses, hostas, and shrubs. For low, neat accents, use Catalpa Nana. If you want to create a more voluminous composition, decorate a hedge or a high fence, a hybrid type of catalpa is often used.
How to grow catalpa from seeds
For seed propagation, it is necessary to collect ripened pods in the fall. Ripe fruits are brown in color, and the shells of the boxes begin to dry out. Inside the long valves are seeds with a small wing. The germination of ripened specimens lasts up to 2 years, provided they are stored in a dry, ventilated place.
Rules for growing catalpa from seeds:
- When harvesting material in the autumn, it can be sown immediately. Seeds do not need cold stratification. But it is better to postpone the procedure until March, when plants are prone to increased vegetation.
- Before planting, soak the seeds for at least a day. A little potassium permanganate is added to the water for disinfection.
- When planting, the seeds are buried at least 2 cm into the soil. This way, the seedlings independently get rid of the integumentary covers during germination and unfurl their leaves faster.
- Create a mini-greenhouse by covering the plantings with polyethylene or glass. Place the pots in a lighted place.
- Shoots appear no later than a week and immediately begin to develop rapidly.
After planting the seeds, keep the soil moist all the time. Grown plants can die from both waterlogging and lack of water. Water the sprouts only when the leaves begin to wither or droop. This is how the catalpa signals the desirability of watering.
Planting and caring for catalpa in open ground
A tropical plant can thrive in an unusual climate and delight with beautiful flowering and harmonious development. There are several features of care activities that allow you to create suitable conditions for catalpa.
Preparing the landing site
Site selection and planting preparation are very important for successful tree growth. Under favorable conditions and timely care, catalpa can develop and bloom for up to 100 years. To plant any type of plant, you will need to find a place in the garden that is protected from drafts and the prevailing winds in winter. The composition of the soil on the site can be very different; it is important to ensure a neutral or slightly acidic reaction of the substrate, looseness, and absence of stagnation of water.
Trees grow quickly and need space for a harmonious crown formation.When planting, leave at least 4 meters between plants, for which the area is marked in advance. There should be no tall buildings or trees nearby - catalpa needs a lot of light.
How to plant a catalpa
In nurseries and large garden centers you can purchase 2-year-old seedlings; they are strong enough for planting. Annual trees require more attention and care, but they winter better than older specimens. Self-grown seedlings are planted at any suitable time: in the fall, immediately after leaf fall, or in the spring before the trees awaken.
Catalpa planting process:
- The planting pit is made at least 1 m deep and about 70 cm in diameter.
- Drainage up to 20 cm is placed at the bottom, the rest of the volume is filled with the prepared nutrient mixture almost to the surface.
- The roots are placed in the soil, leveling the seedling in the center of the hole.
- Fill the soil mixture to the edge and lightly compact it.
- Water the plant generously and add the required layer of soil to the settled areas.
Watering and fertilizing
The crop is highly demanding when it comes to soil moisture. Trees tolerate dry air and heat well with sufficient watering. The usual care regimen involves applying at least 20 liters under the plant every 7 days. During drought, watering is done more abundantly; in the rainy season, they focus on the condition of the trees.
The signal to water the soil is the sagging of the leaf plates, which become soft and lose their elasticity. Abundant watering returns the greenery to its previous state. To reduce moisture loss, mulch the soil.
The crop responds well to fertilizing.Most often, organic fertilizers are used for catalpa. Slurry (1:10 with water) is applied at a rate of 5 liters per tree along with watering three times per season. The first fertilizing after planting is applied no earlier than the appearance of young leaves on the seedlings. The latter is carried out in August, allowing the plant to prepare for the winter dormancy period.
In the spring, it is good to feed the catalpa trees with a solution of nitroammophosphate; from September it is permissible to add potassium-phosphorus compounds. In autumn, nitrogen compounds are completely eliminated.
Catalpa pruning
Spring work requires mandatory sanitary cleaning of trees. The tree is inspected, frozen sections of branches and dry, damaged stems are removed. It is recommended to finish pruning catalpa in the spring before the buds swell. In the fall (after dropping the leaves), the crown is thinned out and formed, leaving branches ready for wintering.
Typically, catalpa is grown on a trunk up to 200 cm high. The crown is formed depending on the purpose of the planting. Ball-shaped is suitable for decorating gardens, lawns, paths. The spreading crown of the plant, trimmed flat at the bottom, forms a wonderful resting place protected from the sun or covers flower beds with shade-loving plants.
To form one even trunk, all growths are removed from the seedlings, leaving one central one or the one closest to the vertical position. When the tree reaches a height of 1.5 m, the top is pinched to begin branching.
Preparing for winter
Young plants are more damaged by frost. The first few years after planting, the catalpa must be covered for the winter.Plants are completely wrapped in burlap or garden material, the soil around is mulched with a layer of up to 10 cm. Trees protected from the north by buildings, fences, and coniferous plantations tolerate winter well.
Adult plants are more adapted to cold weather. To prepare them for winter, it is enough to mulch the soil to protect the roots. Trees older than 5 years usually only have damaged ends of young branches, which should be pruned in the spring. Losses are quickly restored by fresh growth and do not affect the catalpa’s ability to flower.
How does catalpa reproduce?
Catalpa care and cultivation are very similar to common garden plants. The propagation of exotic crops is no exception. It is carried out with seeds, green cuttings of the first year and even layering.
Propagation of catalpa by cuttings
The easiest way to obtain the desired amount of planting material, while fully preserving the species characteristics of the plant, is green cuttings. The survival rate of cut shoots of catalpa is estimated as 50/50. If the substrate is well moistened, almost all seedlings can be preserved.
Young shoots up to 10 cm long are cut off at the end of summer and buried halfway into moist soil. According to gardeners, there is no need to treat cuttings with stimulants. Roots appear quickly. The appearance of fresh growth signals that the plantings have taken root. In spring, plants can be planted in a permanent place in the garden.
Reproduction of catalpa by seeds
Catalpa grown from seeds at home has several advantages:
- the ability to obtain any number of seedlings due to the high fertility of the crop;
- undemanding plants in care;
- high winter hardiness of seedlings.
With the indicated seed germination rate of about 10%, in practice it is possible to obtain a much larger yield of seedlings. But the method also has disadvantages. The seeds of a tropical tree do not always have time to ripen before the cold weather. This is especially true for late-flowering catalpa species.
Among the advantages of cuttings are a more even formation of the trunk of trees and an earlier entry into the flowering phase (in the 2-3rd season). But this method produces plants that are vulnerable to frost in the first year after planting.
Diseases and pests
A healthy, well-groomed tree practically does not get sick and is not damaged by pests. The formation of the catalpa crown and proper watering play an important role in morbidity and susceptibility to infections. Ventilation of the branches and healthy root system, without prolonged drying out and excessive flooding, guarantee a healthy plant.
Weakened catalpas in extreme heat are damaged by aphids or flies. To destroy pests, they are treated twice with Decis or Festac.
Stem pests that can destroy catalpa trunks from the inside are horntails. Winged insects similar to hornets lay eggs in wood. Emerging larvae can destroy the entire plant by gnawing passages inside the trunks. The fight against such grinders is difficult due to limited access. Pests are not interested in a healthy plant with intact bark.
Dense soil without air access provokes fungal infections in catalpa. The most common disease is verticillium wilt. The disease manifests itself as yellowing and death of the leaves of the lower part of the crown, often the damage is not symmetrical. In the early stages, you can save the catalpa by treating the crown with fungicides (Fundazol, Topsin) and spilling the compounds over the soil.
Conclusion
Photos and descriptions of the catalpa tree, the planting and care of which are described in sufficient detail, do not give a complete picture of the beauty and elegance of the plant. Having seen it on the streets of southern cities, many want to decorate their own garden or yard with a spectacular tree. Following the described rules, growing a tropical plant in a temperate climate and preserving it in winter is a completely doable task.
