Catalpa bignonioides

Catalpa bignonioides: characteristics and care

Catalpa bignonioides: characteristics and care

The Catalpa bignonioides, commonly known as catalpa, is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States. It is distinguished by its broad, rounded crown, large heart-shaped leaves, and showy panicles of white flowers speckled with yellow and purple, which appear in early summer. After flowering, it develops long, distinctive hanging pods.

Its lush foliage and robust stature make it a highly valued option as a shade tree in gardens, parks and urban streetscapes.

It tolerates both moderate drought and compacted soils well, as long as they are not waterlogged.

At Ornacom we cultivate each specimen directly, guaranteeing a balanced size and vigorous development from the first years of planting.

Extended species profile

Verified cultivation data, designed so that any visitor can understand at a glance whether the plant is suitable for their climate and garden.

Crop

Exposure

Full sun

Irrigation

ORN-WATERING 4/5 · high — maintain uniform moisture, increasing in heat; without saturation

Soil / moisture

Fresh to moist; well-drained

Bloom

Summer

Climate

USDA Hardiness

4–8

Compatible climates

Cfa, Cfb, Dfa, Dfb

Tolerance to humid climate

ORN-HUM 4/5 · high

Maintenance

Development

ORN-ALT 5/5 · 10–18 m · fast-growing

Pests

ORN-PLAGA 3/5 · medium — sucking/boring insects and foliar or root fungi; monitor for water stress

Pass

ORN-FEEDING 2/5 · low — prioritize soil and organic matter; fertilize in spring only according to analysis and vigor

  • Warning

Tolerates moisture but not permanent waterlogging; brittle branches and potential leaf spots.

Extended species profile

Verified cultivation data, designed so that any visitor can understand at a glance whether the plant is suitable for their climate and garden.

Crop

Exposure

Full sun

Irrigation

ORN-WATERING 4/5 · high — maintain uniform moisture, increasing in heat; without saturation

Soil / moisture

Fresh to moist; well-drained

Bloom

Summer

Climate

USDA Hardiness

4–8

Compatible climates

Cfa, Cfb, Dfa, Dfb

Tolerance to humid climate

ORN-HUM 4/5 · high

Maintenance

Development

ORN-ALT 5/5 · 10–18 m · fast-growing

Pests

ORN-PLAGA 3/5 · medium — sucking/boring insects and foliar or root fungi; monitor for water stress

Pass

ORN-FEEDING 2/5 · low — prioritize soil and organic matter; fertilize in spring only according to analysis and vigor

  • Warning

Tolerates moisture but not permanent waterlogging; brittle branches and potential leaf spots.

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