Description
Catalpa bignonioides – Trumpet Tree
Quality: 1/1 P 50-80
Brief Description: The Trumpet Tree is a plant for lovers of the extraordinary: large, heart-shaped leaves, white flower panicles with yellow and purple patterns in July – and pods up to 40 cm long in autumn, which earned it the common name “Cigar Tree.” As a broadly spreading solitary tree with a tropical appearance, it creates unparalleled accents in gardens and parks.
Climatic Properties & Site Conditions: The Trumpet Tree is winter-hardy down to approx. –20 °C and can be cultivated well in the warmer regions of Southern Germany – the Rhine plain, Lake Constance region, Stuttgart area, and Franconian wine-growing areas are ideal. It prefers warm, sunny locations and well-drained, nutrient-rich soils. The large foliage is sensitive to wind – avoid wind-exposed sites. In harsh high altitudes above 600 m and in late frost areas, it may suffer annual shoot damage.
Advantages: Exotic appearance, summer bloom in July, extensive shade, heat-tolerant, attractive pods as winter decoration, easy to care for.
Disadvantages: Not native, no ecological value for native insects, wind-sensitive foliage, susceptible to late frost in unfavorable locations, requires ample space, leaf fall with very large leaves is labor-intensive.
