Catalpa bignonioides Purpurea

FEATURES
This excellent shade tree has large purplish-black heart shaped leaves when young, maturing to dark green. Pyramidal spikes of creamy white trumpet shaped flowers are produced in late Spring; throat has spots of purple and yellow. Long bean-like seed pods follow.

HEIGHT X WIDTH
8 metres x 6 metres.

SHAPE
A multi-branched spreading tree.

FOLIAGE
Very large purplish-black heart shaped leaves when young, maturing to dark green.

FLOWERS
Creamy white trumpet shaped flowers are produced in late spring; throat has spots of purple and yellow. Long bean-like seed pods follow.

COMMENTS
An impressive shade tree, suitable for medium to larger gardens or avenue planting. Plant in full sun, requires acid soil and prefers warm temperate climate. Not wind tolerant.

TREE CARE
Plant in a well drained and well worked soil. Take care to plant the bud union above the soil level. Water in well and keep soil moist until tree is established. Fertilize when planting and again after new growth appears. Prune tree when planting to encourage new growth.