Maintenance Landscaping Design

Catalpa bignonioides is a plant that is native to the southeastern United States. It is a member of the family Bignoniaceae, which contains about 100 species of trees and shrubs. The plant is also known as the southern catalpa, Indian bean tree, or cigar tree. Catalpa bignonioides can grow to a height of 30-40 feet (9-12 meters) and has large, heart-shaped leaves that are 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long. The flowers are white and trumpet-shaped, and the fruits are brown capsules that contain numerous small seeds.

Alternative name

• Catawba
  
• Cigar tree
  
• Indian bean tree
  
• See also: Catalpa
  
• false acacia, goldenrain tree, pride-of-India

Common Knowledge

• Catalpa bignonioides is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree.
  
• It is native to the southeastern United States.
  
• It can reach a height of 50 feet (15 meters) and a width of 40 feet (12 meters).
  
• The tree has large, heart-shaped leaves and long, tubular flowers that are white with yellow or purple spots.
  
• The tree blooms in late spring or early summer.
  
• The flowers are followed by long, bean-like seed pods.
  
• The tree is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and is resistant to many pests and diseases.
  
• It is often used as a shade tree or as a street tree.
  
• It is also popular as a Bonsai tree.
  
• Catalpa bignonioides is also known as the Southern catalpa, cigar tree, or Indian bean tree.

How to Grow

1. For catalpa bignonioides, first step is to find a good location. This tree grows best in full sun to partial shade.
   
2. Second step is to prepare the planting hole. The hole should be twice as wide as the roots ball and just as deep.
   
3. Once the hole is prepared, the third step is to place the tree in the hole.
   
4. Next, backfill the hole with the excavated soil.
   
5. The fifth step is to water the tree deeply.
   
6. The sixth step is to apply a layer of mulch around the tree.
   
7. For the seventh step, fertilize the tree yearly using a slow release fertilizer.
   
8. The eighth step is to prune the tree as needed to maintain its shape and size.
   
9. The ninth step is to monitor for pests and diseases.
   
10. The final step is to enjoy your beautiful catalpa bignonioides tree!

Related plant:
Northern Catalpa

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the Catalpa bignonioides grows best in deep, moist, rich soils but will also tolerate somewhat poorer soils, especially if they are well-drained. It prefers full sun to partial shade, but it will also tolerate full shade. The flowers are white and appear in late spring to early summer.

Light condition

Like the other plants, the catalpa bignonioides requires a certain amount of sun in order to grow properly. In fact, this plant prefersto receive a lot of sun in order to produce the most flowers. The more sun that the catalpa bignonioides receives, the more flowers it will produce.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of the Catalpa Bignonioides is that it prefers warm to hot conditions and does not tolerate cold well. They are heat and drought tolerant once established, and can even handle somewhat poorly drained soils.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60%-70%. The leaves will start to droop and the flowers will wilt if the humidity drops below 60%. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, this type of plant food is very important to the Catalpa bignonioides. Fertilizing once a month during the growing season with a water-soluble fertilizer that has a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium will help ensure your plant stays healthy and vigorous. Be sure to follow the package directions on how to properly apply the fertilizer. As for watering, the roots of the Catalpa bignonioides are very sensitive to overwatering so be sure to only water when the soil is dry to the touch.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your catalpa bignonioides healthy and looking its best. This fast-growing tree can quickly become overgrown and unruly if not pruned regularly. Pruning also helps to encourage new growth and can keep the tree from becoming too top-heavy. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are rubbing together.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of Catalpa Bignonioides is typically done through rooting of stem cuttings. The best time to take the cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and taken from healthy, non-flowering stems. Cuttings should be placed in a moist soil mix and kept in a warm, humid environment until roots have developed. Once rooted, the plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the ground.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer when the weather is warm and there is plenty of rain. The tree can grow up to 3 feet in a single season. However, the tree's growth rate will slows down as it gets older.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are caterpillars, canker, and leaf spot. Caterpillars can be controlled with Bacillus thuringiensis. Canker is a fungal disease that affects the stems and can be controlled with fungicides. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and can be controlled with fungicides.

Tips on Growing

• Do not forget to water your catalpa tree regularly, especially during hot weather. The water needs of the tree are high, so make sure to keep the soil moistened.
  
• Fertilize your catalpa tree every year with a high-quality fertilizer. This will help the tree to produce more flowers and fruit.
  
• Prune your catalpa tree regularly to maintain its shape and size.
  
• Catalpa trees are susceptible to pests and diseases. Inspect the tree regularly and treat it accordingly.
  
• Place your catalpa tree in an area where it will receive full sun.
  
• The roots of the catalpa tree are very strong. Make sure to plant the tree in an area where the roots can spread freely.
  
• Protect your catalpa tree from strong winds.
  
• The flowers of the catalpa tree are very fragrant. Enjoy their scent by planting the tree in a

You May Like

• Catalpa duvalii (is a species of catalpa native to Florida and panama, known by the common name Florida swamp catalpa)
  
• Catalpa fargesii (is a species of catalpa native to Central China, where it occurs in mountains at altitudes of 1500-2400 m)
  
• Catalpa floridana (is a species of catalpa native to the southeastern united states, where it occurs from northern florida to southern virginia)
  
• Catalpa hesperia (is a species of catalpa native to the western united states and northwest Mexico, known by the common name desert catalpa)
  
• Catalpa koernickiana (is closely related to catalpa bignonioides, which it resembles, and is sometimes considered a subspecies of that species)
  
• Catalpa ovata (is a species of catalpa native to

Source:
UNF - UNF Landscape - Catalpa bignonioides - Southern catalpa
Catalpa bignonioides, catalpa | Trees of Stanford & Environs
Catalpa bignonioides (Indian bean tree) - Academia.edu