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Catalpa bignonioides Tree

Indian Bean Trees

From £75

From £75 ~~£90~~

Available As:

Mature standard tree

1.8m-2.0m clear stem with a branched crown on top

Single stem tree

Classic tree with one trunk

Choose Option 3 options

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Choose Option 3 options

Product Details

Planting & Care

Delivery Information

Key features

Awards RHS Award of Garden Merit

Final size 6 x 5 metres in 20 years

Foliage Deciduous large green leaves

Flowers White flowers with orange and purple tints in summer

Soil Suited to most, but prefers moist yet well-drained soils

Description

Catalpa bignonioides is a stunning award-winning deciduous tree, ideal to use in a lawn or wide border as a feature tree. The large, pale-green, heart-shaped leaves (up to 25cm across) are complimented by profuse quantities of showy panicles of orchid-type flowers in late summer. The fragrant flowers are mainly white with orange and purple markings on the throat and are followed by slender bean like pods (up to 40cm long) which can persist into winter.

With a spreading shape, Catalpa bignonioides reaches an estimated height and spread of 6 x 5 metres in 20 years, although can be coppiced to grow as a multi stem. Known as an Indian Bean tree, it appreciate a sunny spot and well-drained, moist soil. Young trees need protection from frosts so a sheltered position is best and will prevent the wonderful large leaves being torn. Indian bean trees cope well with pollution so are great in city gardens - there's a row of mature trees, believed to have been planted in 1857, outside the Houses of Parliament.

AKA Common Catalpa, Indian Bean Tree, Eastern Catalpa, Southern Catalpa, Cigartree, Smoking Bean Tree, Catawba

Planting Steps

1Preparation

Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.

2Planting

Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
Ensure the top of the plant's compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.

3Last Steps

Water generously around the base of the plant.
If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.

Aftercare Advice

Trees and shrubs require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.

For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.

	Small shrubs (1-3)	Young trees & 4+ small shrubs	Select semi-mature trees & shrubs (1-4)	All other mature trees (any quantity)
Mainland UK ex. Scottish Highlands	£10	£12	£35	from £55
Scottish Highlands & the Islands	From £30
Outside Mainland UK	Currently we are unable to deliver outside of Mainland UK

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