Today, an exotic plant, whose homeland is considered to be China, can be found in our climate zone. High-quality care and protection from frost promotes the development and growth of the tree in temperate climatic conditions.
Exotic plant Source proraboff.rf
Previously, this plant was called Catawba, but it was renamed by the scientist and botanist Scopoli, he was the first to study the exotic plant and describe its properties. Boards from Catalpa practically do not rot. But the tree did not become popular in carpentry due to the curvature of the trunk and branches.
This ancient tropical tree is used by landscape designers, and due to its healing properties, Catalpa is used to treat various diseases.
Types of Catalpas Source treespk.com
Botanical description
The Catalpa tree in nature can reach a height of 36 m, but in the garden it grows more slowly. A tree with a powerful trunk has a spherical, spreading crown. There are ascending branches at the top and prostrate ones at the bottom, thanks to which the crown becomes spherical. The shoots are coarsely covered with foliage. The tap-type root system penetrates deep into the soil. The period of active growth of a tree occurs during 40 years of life; in subsequent years, growth slows down. The smooth bark of Catalpa turns into scaly over time. The length of the leaves is about 30 cm. The bright green leaves remain rich until the end of autumn. In summer, funnel-shaped inflorescences appear on the upper part of the shoots. Their width reaches 20 cm and length 30 cm. The flowering period takes about 20 days, begins in June, and is replaced by the formation of elongated, narrow fruits resembling pods. Lush buds resemble chestnut candles. The fruits contain winged seeds with a tuft. A characteristic feature of the plant is that the fruits are stored until the next growing season.
Catalpa is a good honey plant Source energysad.ru
Full description of the catalpa or tree of happiness
The beautiful tree attracts attention throughout the entire season, from spring to late autumn. To understand how to grow a crop in the garden, you need to study its unique features.
What is "catalpa"
A tree from the Bignoniaceae family was first officially described by Carl Linnaeus in 1735. The culture began to spread around the world from North America, but its real homeland is China. Catalpa can grow in tree and shrub form and is found throughout the world, mainly in warm and temperate regions.
The birthplace of the catalpa is China, although the culture began to spread from America
What is another name for catalpa?
You can meet the culture under the name of the tree of happiness. This name was given to it by the Indians of North America, who believed that the plant brings good luck, courage and family well-being.
In some countries, the name “pasta tree” is used - long pods with seeds hanging abundantly from the branches after flowering really resemble spaghetti. Another informal name is “elephant ears” because the leaves of the tree are very wide.
What does a catalpa look like?
In the wild, the tree can reach 20-30 m, but with decorative propagation it reaches only 5-6 m. The trunk is powerful, can be both straight and curved, with brown-gray scaly bark and branches forming a dense spherical or tent-shaped crown. The root system of catalpa is very strong and can penetrate 2 m deep into the soil, but its main part lies closer to the surface and often protrudes above the ground.
Catalpa roots can protrude greatly above the ground
The photo of the catalpa tree shows that the leaves are very large, round, up to 30 cm, heart-shaped, on long petioles. It is interesting that in the spring they appear only towards the end of May, before which the tree stands naked and may seem dead. In autumn, catalpa quickly sheds its leaves immediately after the temperature drops to 0 °C, and practically does not have time to turn yellow. Only long hanging pods of fruit remain on the branches, which do not fall off until spring.
The catalpa tree was called “elephant ears” for its huge leaves. Important! Catalpa belongs to relict plants; the remains of trees are found in geological layers formed about 5.3-23 million years ago.
How fast does catalpa grow?
The culture is characterized by rapid growth. Under favorable conditions, it can add 35 cm per year, some species grow up to 100 cm.
When and how does catalpa bloom?
The tree begins to bloom in July, with funnel-shaped cream-colored buds with small dark spots appearing on the branches. The inflorescences are pyramidal, erect, and emit a pleasant aroma. Blooming catalpa remains decorative for 3-4 weeks.
The pasta tree produces beautiful fragrant inflorescences in July
What fruits does catalpa have?
At the end of flowering, fruits form on the shoots, very recognizable thin pods up to 40 cm in length. There are small seeds inside; if you open the box, they will immediately scatter in all directions. In nature, in calm weather, the pods can remain on the branches all winter until spring.
Catalpa fruits actually slightly resemble long pasta
Drought and frost resistance of catalpa
The tree is prone to rapid growth and has strong roots. Therefore, it does not tolerate drought well; when growing, it is advisable to water at least 3 times a month. Lack of moisture leads to slower development and reduced decorativeness.
Although catalpa is a heat-loving tree, in sunny and warm summers it manages to gain strength and then tolerates cold temperatures down to -30-35 °C. But if the summer turns out to be cloudy and cool, then above the level of snow cover the plant may freeze in winter.
Practice shows that trees obtained through seeds or cuttings from adult local specimens best tolerate cold. Mostly mature seedlings brought to the northern region from a warm climate are prone to freezing.
Types of Catalpa
There are more than 35 species of Catalpas. Resistance to low temperatures in young plants is low, but over time it increases. Trees less than 5 years old should be covered for the winter.
Alley planting of Catalpa Source evasad.com
A common type of plant is Catalpa bignoniiformes; seed germination is only 10%. The height of the plant can reach 10 m. Trees with a spreading crown and brown bark. In summer, the leaves change from a yellowish tint to bright green. White or beige inflorescences can reach a length of 30 cm. The petals inside are strewn with dark red spots. Elongated fruits turn brown with the onset of frost.
Varieties of Catalpas Source romashkino.ru
Catalpa Nana is characterized by the presence of a straight, low trunk, its length on average is 6-7 m. The crown of the plant is dense and dense. The size of the bright green leaves does not exceed 15 cm. The ornamental plant loves moisture and does not tolerate extreme heat. Loose, nutritious loams are suitable for this species.
Blooming Catalpa Bunge Source infodacha.com
Catalpa Bunge (Manchurian) is a massive plant whose height reaches 7-10 m. Large dark green leaves have a rounded base and a narrow top. Flowers of a soft pink hue with crimson specks are collected in inflorescences. It is characterized by average resistance to low temperatures; it freezes when the temperature drops below -15 °C.
The tree grows up to 10 m, the crown has an ovoid shape. The length of the smooth green leaves can reach a length of about 20 cm. Catalpa Magnificent is distinguished by abundant flowering. Large flowers stay on the branches for about 3 weeks.
Catalpa ovoid can reach a height of 10 m. Plants growing in Russia reach a maximum height of 2-2.5 m. Fruits and flowers are small in size. In our climatic conditions, the fruits do not ripen. To form an alley, it is recommended within 1 sq. m. plant 3-4 cuttings, since rooting is 30%.
Catalpa flowering Source agronom.guru
Catalpa Fargeza is a highly decorative species. The deciduous tree can reach a height of 20 m. It grows naturally in western China. Flowers of pink-violet and lilac shades are strewn with orange or purple dots.
By crossing the ovoid and bignonia-shaped Catalpas, the hybrid Catalpa species was obtained. A plant with a spherical crown, the leaves are pale green on the reverse side and have an indistinct fluff. Hybrid catalpa is popular among landscape designers due to its unpretentiousness and increased frost resistance.
Catalpa in landscape design
The tree is characterized by fast growth and unpretentiousness. Catalpa is successfully used both for alley planting and as a single plant. The tree can be planted in front of a store, office, or along the shore of any natural or artificial reservoir.
If you combine different types of catalpa when planting (for example, the Auera variety and the reddening catalpa), you can get even more decorative.
Trees are resistant to gas pollution, which is why city streets are increasingly being planted with them. In city parks, catalpa is often used in compositions with hawthorn and cotoneaster, which form a living fence around the tree.
In home gardens and cottages, bignonia and beautiful catalpa are most often grown. Such a tree is a bright accent of a country landscape. To increase its decorative effect, catalpa is planted near a deciduous magnolia or oak tree. Small gardens can be decorated only with low varieties of catalpa, for example, Nana.
When planting such a luxurious tree on a site, you need to take into account the wind rose and the frequency of the constantly blowing wind. The fact is that such large leaves are damaged by strong winds.
It is important to take this point into account when choosing a location.
When planting a single tree, it is very important to know that the shadow created by it is very dense. When the height reaches 20-30 meters, the crown can be the same size.
Therefore, it will not be possible to fully grow light-loving species of flowering plants, low-growing trees and shrubs in the shade of catalpa. But today there are plenty of shade-tolerant plants; it’s just important to choose them correctly. When designing a site, inanimate elements are used under the catalpa: boulders, decorated driftwood, sculptures, rock fragments, original benches. Moss and lichen can be used as decoration.
Such a “tree” can be planted in a dacha, if its size allows.
Features of planting and care
Correctly determining the location for planting the seedling will allow it to take root and actively develop. Catalpa loves illuminated areas; in the shade or partial shade the leaves become small and pale. The planting site should be quiet; strong winds will destroy the tree.
The age of planting material should not exceed 2 years. Autumn or spring is suitable for planting Catalpa seedlings.
Planting Catalpa seeds in the ground Source plantarium.ru
To fertilize poor soil intended for planting Catalpa, it is necessary to add peat, manure, compost and wood ash.
Planting includes the following steps:
- Choosing the most suitable location.
- Digging a hole 1 m deep.
- Filling the hole with a drainage layer 20 cm deep and a nutrient composition (humus, sand, peat, soil).
- Placement in the center of the plant hole. After this, you need to compact the soil and water it.
For the first few years, young trees should be covered with burlap to protect them from low temperatures. The near-trunk soil and part of the trunk are covered with spruce branches and dry leaves. Timely removal of the cover will prevent the plant from rotting. Frozen shoots must be removed, but do not cut them too much, this can lead to the formation of a too thick crown.
Reproduction methods
You can grow Catalpa from seeds or by cuttings. Since germination rates range from 15 to 75%, depending on the selected plant type, for this type of propagation it is necessary to use a large amount of planting material. Seed propagation often results in a tree growing a crooked trunk. In order to avoid this result, you need to form a uniform crown every spring.
Young Catalpa trees Source yamisrael.com
It is necessary to collect Catalpa seeds in early winter, by which time they ripen. Seeds are stored until spring. Then the seed material is planted. To prepare the seeds, you need to soak them for several hours in warm water or a growth stimulant solution. If the constant room temperature is +25 degrees, the seeds will germinate in 3-4 weeks. You can sow seeds in open ground in the fall. In spring, Catalpa sprouts and needs systematic watering and care. The soil should be loose and free of weeds. The ability to germinate remains for 3 years. It is recommended to use fresh planting material, since germination rate decreases every year.
When Catalpa is propagated by cuttings, the survival rate of seedlings increases. Cut straight shoots and leave trimmings from them at the top and bottom. Before planting, the planting material must be treated with Kornevin or another means to stimulate root growth. Plant the cuttings in fertilized soil. It should be replanted to a permanent place after the formation of the root system; the length of the roots should be 10-15 cm. The depth, width and length of the planting pit should be at least 70 cm. The bottom of the pit should be covered with loose soil. The cutting is placed in this soil, straightening the roots.
Reproduction of Catalpa by cuttings Source greengarden31.ru
Cuttings are planted at a distance of 4 m from each other. If all the cuttings take root, some can be transplanted to another location.
Growing conditions
Catalpa is not difficult to grow. You need to choose the right planting site and provide the plant with minimal care. In order for a tree to delight with unusual leaves and flowers, you need to remember that this is a foreign species and for development it needs conditions similar to natural ones.
The plant in the garden needs a sunny position, protected from the wind and a winter temperature of at least -17 °C. In areas where the temperature drops below, the tree should be covered with agrofibre or straw, and a large amount of crushed bark and compost should be poured around the trunk.
The soil for catalpa should be:
- fertile;
- permeable;
- with a slightly alkaline or neutral reaction;
- moderately humid.
Catalpa grows well on any soil, but does not like soil:
- dry;
- too wet, waterlogged;
- heavy, loamy, compacted.
When to plant?
Transplanting and planting catalpas in winter should be strictly avoided. You can plant seedlings from containers almost all season, but it is better to plant in spring or autumn. Summer is a bad time to plant seedlings in open ground due to high temperatures and low soil moisture. If you have to plant a tree on hot days, you must water it regularly.
The best time to plant catalpa is spring (after frost, from March to April) or autumn (before frost). The main thing is that the ground does not freeze. The tree needs time to grow strong, long roots.
Where to plant?
Catalpa will grow well in the center of the garden, as the main decoration, surrounded by low perennials, flowers that love shady places. A good idea is to place a few along the fence. The tree sheds its leaves in the fall, which can cause disturbance to a neighbor if leaves fall on his property.
Since catalpa can grow up to 18 m, it is important to maintain an appropriate distance from the house and other trees when planting.
It is important to remember that the tree needs plenty of sunlight, but cannot be exposed to strong winds. The wind can break the tender branches of a young catalpa. If these conditions are met, the plant will definitely reward you with beautiful flowers and leaves.
Landing
It is important to plant the catalpa correctly.
Seedling in a container (with a closed root system)
For healthy growth you need to do the following:
- Soak the root ball in water for half an hour.
- Dig a large hole - 2 times larger than the root ball.
- Place the seedling in a hole and cover it with fertile, moist soil.
- Attach the trunk to a strong stake to prevent the tree from twisting.
After planting, you need to remember to water regularly to keep the soil moist. Do not overdo it with the amount of water; in an overwatered environment, the roots may begin to rot.
Catalpa does not like transplants. It is necessary to carefully consider the place for it, when planning the garden, take into account the final size that the selected variety can achieve.
Features of caring for Catalpa
Growing Catalpa requires compliance with certain rules, but regular and high-quality care is no less important. Catalpa requires abundant watering, at least 20 liters of water once a week. Plants need to be fed periodically, for example, with slurry. During the growing season, it is necessary to fertilize the plant 3 times, adding about 5-6 liters of solution to each tree. In the spring, the crown should be formed by trimming excess, dry and damaged branches. After planting the plant for the first few years, it is necessary to cover the plant for the winter. Mature plants do not need shelter.
Catalpa bignoniiformes
The culture grows up to 20 m in height. The trunk is covered with lamellar bark of brown-gray color. Its thickness at the base reaches 100 cm. Bignonia catalpa has a spherical spreading crown shape. The branches are decorated with leaf plates that resemble lilacs, but are larger in size. They do not change their color even in the fall, when other trees put on a golden outfit. Throughout the season, the foliage emits a specific odor that repels insect pests. The buds are painted snow-white. There are purple strokes inside the miniature “orchid”. At high humidity, the inflorescences emit a heady apple aroma.
Varieties such as “Golden”, “Purple”, “Kene” are distinguished by different shades of leaf blades. Accordingly, they are yellow-green, purple, with marble stains.
Diseases and pests
The Catalpa tree has good resistance to pests and diseases. If a plant is damaged by insects, it is necessary to begin treatment as quickly as possible to prevent the death of the tree.
The bark of the Catalpa can peel off for a number of reasons:
- Excess fertilizer in the soil.
- The presence of an excess amount of ripened fruits.
- Sunburn.
- Pest damage.
Timely detection of the disease and proper treatment will help avoid the death of Catalpa, since advanced diseases are difficult to treat.
The wood of the magnificent Catalpa is resistant to rotting due to the presence of an inhibitor that inhibits the growth of fungi.
Possible tree diseases:
- Verticillium wilt. Through the soil, the fungus enters the roots of the plant, and from there it spreads further. Fungicides or preparations containing copper are suitable for treatment.
A tree affected by a fungus Source orchardo.ru
- Spanish fly contributes to the deformation of young shoots. If black bugs appear in the buds, it is necessary to treat the plant before the buds open.
- Horntails pose a threat to the young plant; they lay eggs in the bark. After hatching, the larvae begin to feed on the tree, which leads to its death. In order to get rid of this pest, it is necessary to use the Actellik insecticide.
Healing properties
Catalpa is used in folk medicine and homeopathy. The plant extract has anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and regenerating effects. Catalpa raw materials are used to treat skin diseases and diabetes. The plant has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract, has a hepatoprotective effect, and antitussive properties.
Catalpa is used for general strengthening and improving the protective functions of the body. The plant is used as an anthelmintic. There is an assumption that the aerial parts and roots of Catalpa have a toxic effect on the human body.
Before using the plant to treat any disease, you should consult a doctor and an experienced herbalist.
Contraindications to the use of plant raw materials for treatment are:
- pregnancy;
- childhood;
- heart failure;
- increased blood clotting rates.
If adverse reactions occur, which may manifest themselves in the form of nausea, dizziness and drowsiness, you must stop taking the herbal remedy and, if the condition worsens, seek help from a doctor.
Exotic tree in landscape design Source cco.ru
Catalpa Ovate (Chinese or yellow)
The homeland of the variety is the western part of China. The maximum height of the plant is about 10 m. It has a spreading crown, which is formed by numerous branches. Wide rounded leaf plates with curved edges are painted in a soft green color. The buds consist of small yellowish flowers with purple specks.
Original varieties for landscape design: “Bunge” with pink buds and scarlet specks, as well as “Fargezi” with brown dots between the petals.
Collection and preparation of medicinal raw materials
The flowers, leaves and bark of the plant have healing properties. Raw materials can be used within 1 year from the date of collection. The high toxicity of the roots does not allow them to be used for medicinal purposes; it is not recommended to contact this part of the plant without protective gloves.
Decoctions are prepared from fresh, dried bark; the best collection time is May-August. Raw materials are collected from plants older than 5 years.
The raw materials are dried in a well-ventilated place, crushed and stored in a tightly closed container.
It is recommended to collect the leaves from June to July; during this period they contain the maximum amount of useful substances. The leaves are also dried, crushed and stored in a closed container.
Using plants for landscaping
Catalpa is undemanding and resistant to low temperatures. You can decorate the area with one or more plants. The tree is used for alley planting; placing Catalpa on the shoreline of a reservoir is acceptable. The combination of different types of Catalpa looks quite interesting.
Recently, the use of Catalpa for landscaping populated areas has increased. Trees look impressive, complemented by a hedge of bushes.
Low-growing plant species are suitable for small garden plots.
Bright green leaves retain their appearance until the onset of winter; Catalpa looks impressive against the background of yellowed foliage. The earrings do not fall off until spring; in winter they can turn into beautiful pieces of ice.
Exotic tree in landscape design Source peyzax.com
On a large garden plot, Catalpa can be planted next to oak or coniferous plants. The roots of the plant have the ability to strengthen slopes. When determining the location of the Catalpa, you need to take into account the wind rose; strong winds and drafts can destroy the tree. It is worth remembering that a small seedling will eventually grow into a tall tree that will provide great shade. Next to Catalpa you need to plant plants that love partial shade and shade.
Meaning and Application
Catalpa is a plant that is used as a main ingredient in homeopathic medicines. However, many gardeners are treated with the plant at home.
A decoction of tree bark is used for problems with the digestive system. The decoction helps get rid of diarrhea and improve metabolism. The fruits and leaves are used as a remedy in the treatment of cancer, abscesses and diseases of the respiratory system. Medicinal tinctures based on bark help against inflammatory processes.
The roots of the plant are prohibited from being used as medicinal raw materials due to their high toxicity. In addition, tinctures and decoctions are not recommended for use by pregnant women and adolescents under 14 years of age.
Catalpa wood is very moisture resistant, so bath furniture, gazebos and outdoor benches are made from it. The wood does not require painting; it is enough to cover it with several layers of varnish. Catalpa furniture is a popular but expensive product. You can make such furniture by ordering it from a craftsman.
Use in landscape design
Catalpa is often used in landscape design. It is planted in group plantings and individually. High resistance to adverse conditions helps it grow near the entrance area of a building, near shopping centers and cafes.
The plant should be planted in the garden next to golden and bright red flowers. By surrounding a flowering tree with a rosehip hedge, the designer will be able to create a year-round decorative composition.
In small areas, catalpa is planted in the center to make a special emphasis on it. In large gardens, the tree is grown next to coniferous and oak crops. The magnificent catalpa variety is perfect for wide alleys, and the bignonia variety is perfect for narrow paths.
In addition, catalpa roots can strengthen slopes. For this reason, the plant is often grown near steep shores of lakes and small fresh water bodies.
