Maintenance Landscaping Design

Catalpa is a genus of flowering plants in the family Bignoniaceae, native to warm temperate and subtropical regions of North America, South America, and Asia. A common name for members of this genus is catalpa, derived from the Creek word for the tree, kathalpa. There are about 10 species in the genus.

Alternative name

• Tree of Heaven
  
• Indian Bean Tree
  
• Cigar Tree
  
• Western Catalpa
  
• Northern Catalpa

Common Knowledge

• Catalpa is a genus of flowering plants in the family Bignoniaceae, native to warm temperate and subtropical regions of North America, the Caribbean, and East Asia.
  
• The genus includes two species of deciduous trees, Catalpa bignonioides and Catalpa speciosa, and one species of evergreen tree, Catalpa ovata.
  
• All three species are commonly known as catalpas or cigar trees.
  
• The trees are large, reaching up to 30 m (100 ft) tall in the case of C. speciosa, with a broadly conical to rounding crown, and stout trunk up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in diameter.
  
• The leaves are opposite, simple, and large, typically 15–30 cm (6–12 in) long and 10–20 cm (4–8 in) broad, with a variable but generally cordate to truncate base and an entire to deeply lobed margin.
  
• The flowers are produced in clusters of 2-12, each flower tubular, 5–10 cm (2–4 in) long, with six lobes, the upper three narrower and with a lighter hue than the lower three.
  
• The fruit is a long, thin, bean-like pod, 10–30 cm (4–12 in) long and 1–2 cm (?–¾ in) wide, containing numerous small, winged seeds.
  
• Catalpa is a popular tree for landscaping and street tree plantings due to its large size, showy flowers, and tolerance of a wide range of soil and environmental conditions.
  
• The wood of Catalpa trees is soft and lightweight, making it unsuitable for most construction purposes. However, it is sometimes used for making furniture, crates, and woodenware.
  
• Catalpa trees are also popular with birds, which use the trees for shelter and nesting.

Related plant:
Catalpa Bignonioides

Growing Steps

1. For catalpa, first step is to purchase a sapling from a nursery or online retailer.
   
2. Once you have your sapling, find an area in your yard that gets full sun and has well-draining soil.
   
3. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of your sapling and just as deep.
   
4. Place your sapling in the hole and backfill with soil.
   
5. Tamp down the soil around the base of the sapling to secure it in place.
   
6. Water the sapling deeply immediately after planting.
   
7. Keep the soil around the sapling moist but not soggy for the first growing season.
   
8. Fertilize the sapling monthly during the first growing season.
   
9. Prune away any damaged or diseased branches as needed.
   
10. Enjoy your beautiful catalpa tree!

Related plant:
Catalpa Tree

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the Catalpa prefers deep, fertile, moist soils but will also do well in shallower, drier soils as long as they are not allowed to dry out completely. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil pH, from 4.5 to 8.0.

About light

Similar to other trees, the Catalpa tree needs sun to grow. It should be planted in an area that gets full sun for at least six hours a day. The tree can also tolerate partial shade, but it will not grow as well in these conditions. If you want your Catalpa tree to reach its full potential, make sure it has plenty of sun.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the growth of the Catalpa tree is moderate to warm weather. They can withstand cold temperatures better than most trees, but they prefer moderate to warm weather. The leaves of the Catalpa tree are very sensitive to cold temperatures and will often turn brown and fall off the tree if the temperature gets too cold.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40-60%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to brown and curl. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this kind of plant doesn't need special attention. You can use any organic fertilizer, or even low doses of chemical fertilizer. Just make sure you don't overdo it, as this could harm the plant. As for the roots, they are quite resistant and can withstand cold temperatures without any problems.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important aspect of plant care for the Catalpa tree. This fast-growing tree can become too large for its space if not pruned properly. Pruning also encourages new growth, which can help the tree to produce more flowers and fruit.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best conducted through softwood cuttings taken from the plant in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 6 to 8 inches long and should be taken from the tips of the branches. Cuttings should be taken from non-flowering stems. After taking the cuttings, strip off the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in pots filled with moistened potting mix. Place the pots in a warm location out of direct sunlight. Keep the potting mix moist but not soggy. In 4 to 6 weeks the cuttings should have rooted and can be transplanted into larger pots.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have found that the trees grow anywhere from one to two feet per year. However, there have been instances of faster growth, with some trees putting on three to four feet of new growth in a single season. This rapid growth is often seen in young trees that are still putting on their first few years of growth. Once a catalpa reaches maturity, its growth rate will typically slow down.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants include root rot, yellow leaves, and brown leaves. Root rot can be caused by too much water, fungi, or bacteria. Overwatering is the most common cause of root rot. Yellow leaves can be caused by nutrient deficiencies, pests, or diseases. Brown leaves can be caused by pests, diseases, or drought stress.

Growing Tips

• Make sure to plant your catalpa in an area that receives full sun.
  
• Catalpa trees prefer well-drained soil.
  
• Water your catalpa tree regularly, especially during its first growing season.
  
• Fertilize your tree annually with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune your catalpa tree regularly to keep it healthy and encourage new growth.
  
• Watch out for common pests and diseases, such as aphids, scale, and leaf spot.
  
• Keep an eye on your catalpa tree's roots, as they can sometimes become exposed.
  
• Be careful when planting other trees or shrubs near your catalpa, as its roots can be invasive.
  
• If you live in an area with high winds, you may need to stake your catalpa tree.
  
• Enjoy the beautiful flowers and unique leaves that your catalpa tree will bring to

Alternative Plants

• Catalpa speciosa (northern catalpa): A member of the beech family, this tree is native to the central and Midwestern United States
  
• Catalpa bignonioides (southern catalpa): A member of the beech family, this tree is native to the southeastern United States from Louisian
  
• Catalpa ovata (Chinese catalpa): A member of the beech family, this tree is native to China
  
• Catalpa fargesii (Farges' catalpa): A member of the beech family, this tree is native to China
  
• Catalpa tibetica (Tibetan catalpa): A member of the beech family, this tree is native to Tibet
  
• Catalpa bungei (Bunge's catalpa): A member of the beech family, this tree is native to China
  

Source:
Catalpa | Texas Plant Disease Handbook
Catalpa | UTC Scholar - University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Northern Catalpa | Department of Horticulture - University of Kentucky