Catalpa

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Catalpa (lat. Catalpa) - a genus of ornamental shrubs and trees of the Bignonium family. Currently, ten species are known. The natural range of catalpa is Japan, North America, China and India. In Russia and on the territory of Ukraine, catalpa is grown as an ornamental plant.

Characteristics of culture

Catalpa is a picturesque deciduous or evergreen shrub or tree with a beautiful rounded crown that gives thick shade. The leaves are large, cordate, opposite or whorled, long-petiolate, rich green, sometimes light green or yellow.

The flowers are medium-sized, funnel-shaped, white or cream-colored with dark spots or dots located in the fauces, collected in erect paniculate inflorescences. The fruit is a long hanging capsule up to 40 cm long, containing many flying seeds. The fruits give the catalpa a special decorative effect; they remain on the branches almost all winter.

Catalpa is a thermophilic plant, most species tolerate an exceptionally warm climate. The culture does not differ in frost resistance, it tolerates a short-term decrease to -25C. Catalpa is demanding on soil and air moisture.

Growing conditions

Catalpa is quite demanding on growing conditions. The plant thrives on sunny areas protected from northern winds. Soils are preferable fertile, moderately moist, acidity close to neutral. Under optimal growing conditions, catalpa blooms in the fifth year after planting.

Reproduction and planting

Catalpa is propagated by seeds and summer cuttings. Sowing is carried out without preliminary preparation of seeds, but to increase germination, the seeds are soaked in warm water for a day. You can sow a crop both in spring and autumn. Planting depth 0 1-1, 5 cm. Sowing in room conditions in special seedling boxes under the film is not prohibited. It is important to provide the seedlings with diffused sunlight, regular watering and a temperature of 15-25C. With the establishment of stable weather outside, the seedlings are planted in open ground.

Crop cuttings are carried out in the second half of the summer. Cuttings are cut into a length of 10 cm and planted in a mixture of sand and peat until rooting. With the appearance of a developed root system in the cuttings, they are transplanted to a permanent place. The distance between the plants should be 4-5 m. The planting depth is 1-1, 2 m. When planting, humus, peat, sand, as well as wood ash (5-8 kg) and phosphate rock (50 g) are introduced into the pits.

Care

Catalpa care provides for systematic, but infrequent watering (at the rate of 18 liters per 1 tree). In drought, the amount of watering is increased. The culture responds well to fertilizing with mineral and organic fertilizers. Three additional dressings are required per season. The soil in the near-trunk zone is periodically loosened and freed from weeds.

Young plants are covered for the winter: the crown and trunk are wrapped in burlap, and the near-stem zone is mulched with a thick layer of peat or humus. The last procedure will prevent the root system from freezing. Sanitary pruning is done annually in the spring. Trees are freed from frozen, sick and broken branches. Formative pruning is carried out if necessary.

Application

Catalpa is distinguished by high decorative properties and rapid growth, however, not all species have found proper application in the territory of the Russian Federation. The cool climate of the middle zone allows only four species to be grown. That is why the catalpa is a rare guest on personal plots. Tall forms look great in single plantings, as well as various woody compositions. Catalpa combines perfectly with magnolias, oaks and other plants.