Catalpa Tree - Catalpa

The Catalpa Tree (Catalpa speciosa Warder x Engelm) is a hardy and deciduous tree that is truly magnificent when at full maturity. It has beautiful white showy flowers.

Plant Details - Catalpa Tree

Family: Bignoniaceae

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Water Needs: Moist

Height: 40 – 70 ft.

Spread: 20 – 50 ft.

Growth Rate: Slow

Bloom Time: Spring

Flower Color: White

Wildlife Value: Attracts bees, birds

Landscape Uses and Maintenance 

The Catalpa Tree will create high drama in your yard or garden with its tall, statuesque branching habit, large light green and heart shaped leaves, and its showy flowers.

Plant this tree to create a shade garden, as a street tree on the outskirts of your property, or when making an allée you want to make a large impact.

Its large and showy flowers bloom in the spring. These flowers are white, wavy around the edges, and have accents of purple and orange. The flowers will give way to long, slender green seedpods that resemble green beans in nature, which turn brown as they mature.

Its bark is ridged with thick, chunky scales.

This is a low maintenance tree that will create dramatic impact on your property, making it a great option for the busy gardener.

Plant in a location with full sun to partial sun. Avoid planting it in the shade.

This tree prefers moist to wet soil, so be sure to keep it watered or plant in a moist location. Water thoroughly and deeply when it is first planted until it has become well established.

This is a deer resistant tree. Protect it when young and vulnerable to damage from deer and rabbit browsing.

As this tree ages, be sure to watch it for any damaged, diseased or decaying branches that may need to be removed to ensure the optimal health of the tree.

Noteworthy Characteristics

The Catalpa Tree is the host plant for the Catalpa Sphinx butterfly and is a host plant for other butterflies.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Summer

Bloom/Foliage Color

White

Height at Maturity

Over 25 Feet

Care

Catalpa trees thrive in well-drained soil and require regular watering, particularly during dry spells. It's best to prune them in late winter to remove dead branches and maintain their shape. Keep an eye out for pests such as caterpillars, and provide enough space for their large, spreading canopy.

Plant Reproduction

The Catalpa tree spreads by wind-dispersed seeds from long pods.

Plant bare root trees during the dormant season in early spring or late fall (November through April). Dig the hole twice as wide as the roots so the soil is well-drained. Position the tree so the root flare is at or just above ground level. Fill the hole back with the soil you dug from and water. Maintain soil moisture, especially in the tree's early years, by providing deep, regular watering. Apply a 2-4 inch mulch away from the trunk at the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune trees during the first few seasons to establish strength and resilience, remove damaged branches, and continue maintenance pruning as the tree matures. Regularly inspect for pests and diseases and apply integrated pest management practices. Protect young trees from mechanical damage and extreme temperatures with tree guards, and stake them if necessary for support, removing the stakes after one or two years.

Shipping date depends on the date displayed and chosen when you order from the product's page.

We do not accept returned plants. If you purchased an extended warranty we do accept claims, please navigate to the warranty page for instructions HERE