TreesCatalpa bignonioides
Indian Bean Tree
The Indian Bean Tree is a distinctive ornamental tree with enormous, heart-shaped leaves and large panicles of white, trumpet-shaped flowers with yellow and purple markings in June and July. After flowering, long, slender seed pods hang on the tree well into winter. An excellent shade tree.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 600–1500 cm
- Spread
- 600–1200 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 5–9
- Family
- Bignoniaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- white
- Wildlife value
- bees
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in moist, fertile soil. Reasonably adaptable but grows best in sheltered positions. Water young trees regularly. The large leaves are susceptible to wind damage — choose a sheltered spot.
Pruning tips
Prune in winter by removing dead and damaged wood. The mop-head form (Nana) is cut back hard to the graft in February annually. Standard forms need little pruning beyond removing crossing branches.
Good companions
TreesMagnolia stellata
Star Magnolia
Star Magnolia is a compact small tree or large shrub that becomes smothered in star-shaped white to pale pink flowers in March and April, before the leaves emerge. The blooms have a soft, sweet fragrance. Its compact size makes this magnolia suitable even for smaller gardens and front yards.
ShrubsCornus kousa
Japanese Dogwood
Japanese Dogwood is an elegant large shrub or small tree with striking white bracts that sit like stars on the branches in June and July. In autumn, raspberry-shaped red fruits appear and the foliage turns deep crimson. The horizontal branching pattern gives the tree year-round character.
TreesAmelanchier lamarckii
Snowy Mespilus
The snowy mespilus is a versatile ornamental tree with something to offer in every season. In April, cloud-like white blossom appears, followed by copper-bronze emerging foliage. In summer, dark purple edible berries ripen. The highlight is autumn, when the leaves turn spectacular shades of orange and red. A perfect tree for small gardens.