CATALPA Bignonioides Purpurea

FEATURES:

This excellent shade tree has large purplish-black heart shaped leaves when young, maturing to dark green. Pyramidal spikes of creamy white trumpet shaped flowers are produced in late Spring; throat has spots of purple and yellow. Long bean-like seed pods follow.

HEIGHT x WIDTH:

8 metres x 6 metres

SHAPE:

A multi-branched spreading tree

FOLIAGE:

Very large purplish-black heart shaped leaves when young, maturing to dark green.

FLOWERS:

Creamy white trumpet shaped flowers are produced in late spring; throat has spots of purple and yellow. Long bean-like seed pods follow.

COMMENTS:

An impressive shade tree, suitable for medium to larger gardens or avenue planting. Plant in full sun, requires acid soil and prefers warm temperate climate. Not wind tolerant.

TREE CARE:

Plant in a well drained and well worked soil. Take care to plant the bud union above the soil level. Water in well and keep soil moist until tree is established. Fertilize when planting and again after new growth appears. Prune tree when planting to encourage new growth.