How to Grow and Care for Catalpa Trees in Your Garden

The Catalpa Tree was originally named the Catawba Tree after the Catawba Native American word catawba. However, Giovanni Scopoli accidentally transcribed the word incorrectly when he wrote the first formal scientific description of the genus. Due to the rules of botanical naming, the name could not be changed.

Benefits of Planting a Catalpa Tree in Your Landscape

The Catalpa Tree is deciduous with large, heart-shaped leaves and striking flowers. The trees are usually chosen for the shade provided by their broad leaves. They are also selected as ornamental trees because of their showy, trumpet-shaped, typically white or yellow flowers. They are generally about 40 to 60 feet in height. A sapling that is ten years old can be as tall as 20 feet. It has very few pests and grows well in well-drained, moist soil such as the soil found on stream banks.

The tree is part of the Bignonia family, and there are approximately 12 different species. The most common of these are the Northern and Southern trees. The Northern tree grows best in zones four through eight, and the Southern grows best in zones six through nine.

Why Catalpa Trees Are Perfect for Shade and Ornamental Beauty

The Catalpa Tree is a beautiful, classic tree with an intriguing and attractive shape. It features grand white and yellow flowers and large heart-shaped leaves. The tree offers a haven to birds, attracting them to its comfortable, shaded branches. The tree also displays long, attractive seed pods that advance from green to a rich brown with seasonal change. The gorgeous flowers burst forth from the tree's branches in late spring and early summer, attracting hummingbirds with their sweet nectar. These lovely, low-maintenance trees will provide shelter and shade while offering beauty and majesty to any landscape.

Zones: 4 –9

Mature Height: 40' to 60'

Width: 20' to 40'

Growth: Medium to Fast Growth

Shape: Oval

Sunlight: Full Sun

Soil: Well-drained, Moist

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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.

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