2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
The fast-growing deciduous tree Catalpa is increasingly seen in Russian gardens. Its large-leaf hipped crown provides an oasis of shade on a hot day. Large clusters of inflorescences of white speckled bell-shaped flowers adorn only adult plants. During fruiting, the tree is hung with long pods, similar to light green pasta
Rod Catalpa
The genus Catalpa unites about 14 tree species, which are evergreen in warm regions, and deciduous in less hospitable lands. They attract the attention of gardeners with their rapid growth (some species add 1 meter per year); powerful hipped crown; decorativeness of leaves, flowers and pods, as well as its tolerance to polluted air.
Simple whole-edged leaves are striking in their size. Do not lag behind the leaves and large inflorescences in the form of panicles or brushes, collected from bell-shaped bisexual flowers. The flowers, white on the outside, turn purple inside the bells, decorated with yellow or red stripes and specks. Young trees do not bloom. For example, in the Moscow Botanical Garden, the catalpa bloomed 11 years after its appearance in this world.
The fruit of the tree is a narrow, cylindrical long (up to 50 cm long) box, similar to bean pods. Inside the box, in cramped quarters, but not offended, there are many seeds that can fly. The ability to fly is provided by white soft hairs at the ends of flat seeds.
Varieties
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Catalpa bignoniform (Catalpa bignonioides) or
ordinary, lilac-leaved - the most common type. The strong short trunk of the tree allows the crown to rise to a height of 6 to 20 meters. The bark on the trunk is reddish brown or gray. The pubescent leaves in their shape are similar to the heart-shaped pointed leaves of lilac, only of larger sizes. As they grow, they change their color, starting from a lilac shade in youth, turning into light green in summer, and, without violating the harmony of autumn, become golden yellow at the end of the cycle. If you rub the leaf in your hands, then the punishment will be an unpleasant smell.
Erect panicle inflorescences are collected from bell-shaped fragrant flowers. Outside, the flowers are white, and in the throat they are decorated with purple and yellow specks. Long pods hang on the trees throughout the winter.
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Catalpa is magnificent (Catalpa speciosa) or
western - the tree could be called the twin of the bignoniform catalpa, if not for a slightly larger growth (up to 25 m); larger flowers, however, to the detriment of their number; yes, leaves heavily pubescent on the back, do not punish with a bad smell, if you rub them.
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Catalpa Bunge (Catalpa bungei) - this and the next two species are less common. The tree grows up to 10 meters and has white flowers adorned with purple spots.
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Catalpa Fargessa (Catalpa fargessi) - stands out with pink-lilac flowers, collected in lush inflorescences-shields. The spots on the flowers can be of different colors.
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Kempfer's catalpa or ovoid (Catalpa ovata) - famous for its thin pyramidal inflorescences, panicles of white flowers.
Growing
Catalpa's resistance to air pollution makes the tree attractive for decorating our city streets. True, in conditions of cold winters, additional protective measures are necessary (for example, shelter with spruce branches).
Catalpa prefers sunny places, sheltered from the wind. A resident from Volgograd, describing catalpa on the streets of the city, notes that where trees are open to the wind, they grow more slowly, have smaller leaves and inflorescences. But the main thing is that they are growing.
Although the catalpa has no special requirements for soils, it develops much more successfully on fertile and well-drained soils and blooms more abundantly. Seedlings are planted in open ground in spring, applying organic fertilizer to the soil, for example, rotted manure.
Young plants need watering. Mature plants tolerate drought and high humidity equally well.
To maintain the appearance, damaged, dry and randomly located branches are removed.
Reproduction
Can be propagated by seeds, cuttings and suckers.
Diseases and pests
The most dangerous enemy of the catalpa is frost. Especially for young plants.
Can be affected by fungi, powdery mildew, worms.
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Catalpa
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.
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