Contents
The photo and description of the catalpa tree, planting and caring for which differs little from the usual garden plants, show a surprisingly decorative culture. Her appearance is misleading to many. It may seem that a bright, luxurious tree requires special growing conditions or careful shaping. In fact, planting and growing catalpa is not difficult, and its rapid growth, disease resistance and frost resistance fully justify the work of gardeners.
What is catalpa
The plant, originating from North America, was considered a sacred tree among the indigenous Mayan tribes. The fragrant flowers of the plant were dedicated to born girls, and the long fruits resembled boys’ hairstyles – numerous pigtails. Growing up, the male offspring became warriors, and the shape of the leaves symbolized the hearts of men who died in battle.
Botanists refer to the trees and bushes of Catalpa as relic plants, which evolution has practically not touched. The beautiful plants grown today had the same appearance before the Ice Age. On the American continent, trees grew along rivers, on wet banks. Species originating in China later colonized Japan, and American catalpas were introduced to Europe.
Today, flowering catalpas can be found in many countries and not necessarily with a tropical climate. They grow in the south and in central Our Country, in China, East India, and Japan. Some types of heat-loving trees have been able to endure quite severe winters and are quite suitable for growing in temperate climates.
All types of catalpa in the places of their historical growth were used by the population for medical purposes. The Indians used the bark and roots of the tree to treat coughs, malaria, and heal wounds. Chinese medicine uses catalpa in the treatment of tumors, abscesses, diseases of the stomach and respiratory system. The ability of all parts of the plant to sharply lower blood pressure, up to fainting, is known. The roots of the tree are extremely poisonous, so the tree has not found medical use in Europe.
Description of the catalpa tree
Catalpa (from Latin – Catalpa) is a small genus in the botanical family Bignoniaceae. In the species line, there are no more than 25 varieties of plants, only 4 of which are grown in Our Country. The genus includes both trees and bush forms of catalps. There are noticeable differences between the species in the shade of the leaves, their shape, the color of the buds, deciduousness, and other characteristics, but the appearance of the plant remains very characteristic, easily recognizable in any part of the world.
What does a catalpa look like
The tree in cultural plantings reaches 5-6 m, while at home it can exceed 20 m. The trunk is powerful, in some species it is upright, columnar, covered with grayish-brown scaly bark. The branches form a dense tent or spherical crown. Photos of the catalpa tree often represent a standard form with a smooth, straight trunk. In free formation, the plant can grow a powerful trunk of more than 1 m at the base and a sprawling irregular crown.
Catalpa leaves are large (up to 30 cm), rounded, often heart-shaped, oppositely fastened with long petioles on the branches, in some species they can be collected in whorls. They appear on the trees late – by the end of May. Up to this point, a bare plant may appear dead. Leaves fall in autumn immediately after cooling to 0 ° C, almost without changing color.
By autumn, long, thin fruits, reaching 40 cm, ripen on the trees. Multiple hanging pods give the catalpa a very unusual, decorative look and do not crumble until spring. For the peculiarities of the appearance, the plant received popular nicknames. In different parts of the world, it is called “pasta tree” for the abundance of long pods, “elephant ears” for the shape of the leaves.
How fast does catalpa grow?
From the first months of life, the plant is characterized by rapid growth. Hatched seeds turn into small trees in a few months. Under favorable conditions, the annual growth of an adult plant exceeds 35 cm, in some species (for example, in Catalpa magnificent) – 100 cm.
How catalpa blooms
The most decorative culture, starting in June, when spectacular buds bloom on the branches. Catalpa flowers can surprise the most experienced gardeners. They resemble small orchids, collected in loose “chestnut” candles. The petals, depending on the variety, are snow white to purple in color and up to 7 cm in diameter. Most often there are pale cream petals with yellowish stripes and a contrasting speck in the center.
Abundant flowering is accompanied by a sweet, persistent aroma that attracts bees and lasts up to 30 days. Pyramidal, erect inflorescences gradually turn into hanging pods. Ripening, long fruit boxes are filled with many flying seeds.
Frost resistance of catalpa
The culture loves the sun and belongs to heat-loving species. With sufficient illumination, a long warm period, the shoots and bark of the catalpa have time to ripen before the cold weather, which allows the tree to winter well. The ability of a heat-loving plant to endure frosts above 30 °C was discovered.
The frost resistance of a tree does not directly depend on the species. It has been experimentally established that specimens grown from seed material or cuttings of local plants are fully adapted to climate conditions. Seedlings brought from warmer regions take root for a long time after planting and are prone to freezing.
For the central and black earth regions, the following forms of catalpa are recommended:
- Aura;
- Picts;
- On the;
- Captivity.
The catalpa is best adapted to the conditions of the middle lane. Its trees tolerate well even the climate of the northwestern region with a short sunny season. Of the species for cultivation in temperate climates, catalpa species are called ovoid and bigniform.
catalpa root system
A feature of the plant is the huge suction power of the root system. The surface roots of the tree are very branched, often protrude from the soil and are able to quickly drain the soil in the near-stem circle. Therefore, watering plants around the catalpa has to be done more often.
Thick roots penetrate deep into the soil up to 2 m, so the groundwater level in the area should not rise higher. The main suction mass is in the upper 100 cm of the ground, so the trees require frequent watering during the hot season.
Varieties of catalpa
The genus Catalpa has a little more than 10 species. Not all of them are suitable for landing in Europe and the Asian part of Our Country. Most often used when planting in public parks and private estates, some of the most stable and beautiful species.
Bignoniform catalpa (common)
North American look. The height of an adult tree without special shaping can exceed 20 m. The leaves are similar in shape to lilac leaves, but larger in size. The common catalpa blooms with white buds, decorated with purple specks. The aroma is weak. The culture blooms 5 years after sowing the seeds. Planting cuttings speeds up the process. Germination of planting material at the level of 10-12%.
Frost resistance of the species is low. Young trees require shelter for the winter already in the middle lane. Adult plants from local planting material regularly lose the tips of branches in winter, which does not interfere with normal flowering.
Catalpa Nana
A low tree grows up to 5 m, has a natural spherical crown shape. The plant has a slow growth and with age builds up a flat crown, and a thin, straight trunk tends to thicken. One of the rare species of catalpa that does not produce flowers. The culture is undemanding to the soil and is able to tolerate slight shading, which allows it to be used in mass plantings, in parks, landscaped gardens.
Catalpa beautiful (magnificent)
The trees of this species are the tallest of the entire genus, reach 35 m in height without shaping and are able to grow powerful, voluminous trunks. The pyramidal crown is formed by branched shoots and large leaves (about 30 cm in length). The buds are large, funnel-shaped, cream-colored with two yellowish stripes and cinnamon spots inside. The species form purverulenta (powdered) with completely pubescent leaves is especially decorative.
The culture is distinguished by a late entry into fruiting. Mature trees of the beautiful catalpa bloom closer to the age of 10. Frost resistance and adaptability of the species are higher than other representatives of catalps. The magnificent catalpa wakes up in the spring earlier than other species forms. Leaves appear as early as April. Seeds are characterized by high germination, reaching 90%.
Catalpa ovoid
A variety imported from China, the name of which reflects the shape of the leaf plates, which are least reminiscent of a heart. In a familiar environment, trees grow up to 10 m. Due to annual freezing in the middle lane, domestic specimens do not exceed 2 m in height. A distinctive feature of the species is a short growing season: the plant blooms only in July.
Egg-shaped catalpa, with good care, can bloom as early as 2 years after planting. The fruits and flowers are much smaller than those of relatives, and the seeds do not have time to ripen before the cold weather. Reproduction of catalpa of this species is carried out by cuttings. The survival rate of planting material reaches 30%.
Catalpa hybrid (spherical)
The variety was created by cross-pollination of ordinary and ovoid forms. The tree grows up to 15 m and forms a rounded crown. The leaves are large, pale green, have pubescence on the underside and emit a specific unpleasant odor when rubbed. The inflorescences are loose, flowers up to 3 cm in diameter. Catalpa hybrid is especially in demand for landscaping streets and parks.
Catalpa in landscape design
The rapid growth of trees, as well as exceptional decorativeness at any time of the year, have made the culture a favorite among landscapers and landscape designers. Plants are used in single, group plantings, form alleys. In the urban landscape, trees decorate the areas in front of office, residential buildings, shops. Resistance to a gassed atmosphere allows you to decorate not only squares, but also sidewalks or roadsides of major highways.
The combination of several plants of different species with flowers or leaves of different shades increases the decorativeness of plantings. Catalpa, surrounded by a hedge or border of cotoneaster, boxwood, hawthorn, creates a composition that is decorative all year round.
In small areas, a large catalpa (magnificent or bignoniform) creates the main focus and serves as the center of the entire garden composition. In large gardens, planting crops next to oak, paulownia, magnolia, and coniferous tree species is successful.
Fragrant flowering plants are excellent honey plants, the leaves emit volatile compounds that repel blood-sucking insects, and the tent crowns of trees provide a very dense shade. Thanks to these advantages, the tall catalpa quickly became a favorite in private gardens, courtyards and outdoor recreation areas.
The roots of the plant perfectly penetrate and hold the soil, which serves to secure the loose banks of reservoirs.
Catalpa on a stem in landscape design perfectly frames paths, complements flower beds, leaving space for ornamental grasses, primroses, hostas, and shrubs. For low, neat accents, use Catalpa Nana. If you want to create a more voluminous composition, decorate a hedge or a high fence, a hybrid type of catalpa is more often used.
How to grow catalpa from seeds
For seed propagation, it is required to collect mature pods in the fall. Ripe fruits are brown, and the flaps of the boxes begin to dry out. Inside the long valves are seeds with a small wing. The germination of ripe specimens lasts up to 2 years, if stored in a dry, ventilated place.
Rules for growing catalpa from seeds:
- When collecting material in the autumn, it can be sown immediately. Seeds do not need cold stratification. But it is better to postpone the procedure until March, when the plants are prone to increased vegetation.
- Soak the seeds for at least a day before planting. A little potassium permanganate is added to the water for disinfection.
- The seeds are buried in the soil when planting by at least 2 cm. So the seedlings independently get rid of the integumentary covers during germination, unfold the leaves faster.
- They create a mini-greenhouse by covering the plantings with polyethylene or glass. Place the pots in a lighted place.
- Shoots appear no later than a week later, immediately begin to develop rapidly.
The soil after planting the seeds is kept moist all the time. Grown plants can die from both waterlogging and lack of water. Water the sprouts only when the leaves begin to wither or sag. So catalpa signals the desirability of watering.
Planting and caring for catalpa in the open field
A tropical plant can feel good in an unusual climate, delight with beautiful flowering and harmonious development. There are several features of carrying out care activities that allow you to create suitable conditions for the catalpa.
Site preparation
Choosing a location and preparing for planting is very important for the successful growth of a tree. Under favorable conditions and timely care, catalpa is able to develop and bloom up to 100 years. To plant any type of plant, you will need to find a place in the garden that is protected from drafts and winds prevailing in winter. The composition of the soil on the site can be very different, it is important to ensure a neutral or slightly acid reaction of the substrate, friability, and the absence of stagnant water.
Trees grow quickly and need space for harmonious crown formation. Between plants, when planting, leave at least 4 meters, for which the site is marked in advance. There should not be tall buildings or trees nearby – catalpa needs a lot of light.
How to plant a catalpa
In nurseries and large garden centers you can buy seedlings 2 years old, they are strong enough for planting. Annual trees require more attention and care, but overwinter better than older specimens. Self-grown seedlings are planted at any suitable time: in the fall, immediately after leaf fall, or in the spring before the trees awaken.
The process of planting catalpa:
- A landing pit is arranged at least 1 m deep and about 70 cm in diameter.
- Drainage up to 20 cm is laid at the bottom, the rest of the volume is filled with the prepared nutrient mixture almost to the surface.
- The roots are placed in the soil, leveling the seedling in the center of the hole.
- Pour the soil mixture to the edge, lightly tamp.
- Water the plant abundantly and add the necessary layer of soil to the settled areas.
Watering and top dressing
The culture is very demanding on soil moisture. Trees tolerate dry air and heat well with sufficient watering. The usual care regimen involves the introduction of at least 20 liters under the plant every 7 days. During a drought, watering is made more plentiful; in the rainy season, they are guided by the condition of the trees.
The signal for watering the soil is the sagging of the leaf plates, which become soft, losing elasticity. Abundant watering returns the greenery to its previous state. Mulch the soil to reduce moisture loss.
The culture responds well to feeding. Most often, organic fertilizers are used for catalpa. Slurry (1:10 with water) is applied at 5 liters per 1 tree along with watering three times per season. The first dressing after planting is applied not earlier than the appearance of young leaves on seedlings. The latter is carried out in August, allowing the plant to prepare for the period of winter dormancy.
In the spring, it is good to feed the catalpa trees with a solution of nitroammophoska; since September, the introduction of potassium-phosphorus compounds is permissible. In autumn, nitrogen compounds are completely excluded.
pruning catalpa
Spring work involves mandatory sanitary cleaning of trees. The tree is inspected, frozen sections of branches, dry, damaged stems are removed. Pruning catalpa in the spring is recommended to finish before the buds swell. In autumn (after shedding leaves), they thin out and form a crown, leaving branches ready for wintering.
Catalpa is usually grown on a trunk up to 200 cm high. The crown is formed depending on the purpose of planting. Spherical is suitable for decorating a garden, lawns, paths. The spreading crown of the plant, trimmed flat at the bottom, forms a beautiful, sun-protected resting place or covers flower beds with shade-loving plants.
To form one even trunk, all growths are removed from seedlings, leaving one central or closest to the vertical position. When the tree reaches a height of 1,5 m, pinch the top to start branching.
Preparation for winter
Young plants are more damaged by frost. The first few years after planting, the catalpa must be covered for the winter. Plants are completely wrapped in burlap or garden material, the soil around is mulched with a layer of up to 10 cm. Trees protected from the north by buildings, fences, and coniferous plantations tolerate winter well.
Mature plants are more adapted to cold weather. To prepare them for winter, it is enough to mulch the soil to protect the roots. In trees older than 5 years, only the ends of young branches are usually damaged, which should be cut in the spring. Losses are quickly restored with fresh growth and do not affect the ability of the catalpa to bloom.
How catalpa breeds
Catalpa for care and cultivation is very similar to the usual garden plants. Reproduction of an exotic culture is no exception. It is carried out with seeds, green cuttings of the first year and even layering.
Reproduction of catalpa cuttings
The easiest way to get the desired amount of planting material, while completely preserving the species characteristics of the plant, is green cuttings. The survival rate of cut catalpa shoots is estimated at 50/50. With good moisture content of the substrate, it is possible to save almost all seedlings.
Young shoots up to 10 cm long are cut off at the end of summer, and buried in moist soil to half. According to gardeners, there is no need to treat cuttings with stimulants. Roots appear quickly. It signals that the plantings have taken root the appearance of fresh growth. In spring, plants can be planted in a permanent place in the garden.
Reproduction of catalpa seeds
Catalpa grown from seeds at home has several advantages:
- the ability to get any number of seedlings due to the high fertility of the culture;
- undemanding plants in care;
- high winter hardiness of seedlings.
With the indicated seed germination of about 10%, in practice it is possible to obtain a much higher yield of seedlings. But the method also has disadvantages. The seeds of a tropical tree do not always have time to ripen before the cold weather. This is especially true for late-flowering species of catalpa.
Among the advantages of cuttings are called a more even formation of a bole in trees and an early entry into the flowering phase (in season 2-3). But this method gives plants vulnerable to frost in the first year after planting.
Diseases and pests
A healthy, well-groomed tree practically does not get sick and is not damaged by pests. In the incidence and susceptibility to infections, the formation of the catalpa crown and proper watering play an important role. Ventilation of the branches and the health of the root system, without prolonged drying and excessive flooding, guarantee a healthy plant.
Weakened catalpas in extreme heat are damaged by aphids or flies. For the destruction of pests, a double treatment with Decis or Festak is carried out.
Stem pests that can destroy catalpa trunks from the inside are horntails. Hornet-like winged insects lay their eggs in wood. The emerging larvae can destroy the entire plant, gnawing passages inside the trunks. The fight against such grinders is difficult due to limited access. A healthy plant with intact bark is not interested in pests.
Dense soil without air access provokes the occurrence of fungal infections in catalpa. The most common is verticillium wilt (wilt). The disease manifests itself by yellowing and death of the leaves of the lower part of the crown, often the lesion is not symmetrical. In the early stages, you can save the catalpa by treating the crown with fungicides (Fundazol, Topsin) and spilling the compounds over the soil.
Conclusion
The photo and description of the catalpa tree, the planting and care of which are described in sufficient detail, do not give a complete picture of the beauty and elegance of the plant. Seeing it on the streets of southern cities, many want to decorate their own garden or yard with a spectacular tree. Observing the described rules, growing a tropical plant in a temperate climate and preserving it in the winter is a completely doable task.