Content
Photos and descriptions of the catalpa tree, planting and caring for which does not differ much from the usual garden plants, show a surprisingly decorative culture. Its appearance is misleading to many. It might seem that a bright, luxurious tree requires special growing conditions or careful shaping. In fact, planting and growing catalpa is not difficult, and its rapid growth, disease resistance and frost resistance fully justify the work of gardeners.
What is Catalpa
The plant, which originates from North America, was considered a sacred tree by the indigenous Mayan tribes. The fragrant flowers of the plant were dedicated to the born girls, and the long fruits resembled the hairstyles of boys - numerous braids. Growing up, male offspring became warriors, and the shape of the leaves symbolized the hearts of men who died in battle.
The trees and bushes of Catalpa are considered by botanists to be relict plants that have hardly been touched by evolution. The beautiful plants grown today had the same look before the ice age. On the American continent, trees grew along rivers, on wet banks. Species originating from China later settled in Japan, and American catalps were introduced to Europe.
Today, flowering catalps can be found in many countries and not necessarily with tropical climates. They grow in the south and in central Russia, in China, East India, and Japan. Some types of thermophilic trees have proven to be able to withstand quite severe winters and are quite suitable for growing in temperate climates.
All types of catalpa in places of their historical growth were used by the population for medical purposes. The Indians cured coughs, malaria, and wounds with the bark and roots of the tree. Chinese medicine uses catalpa in the treatment of tumors, abscesses, diseases of the stomach and respiratory system. The ability of all parts of the plant is known to drastically lower blood pressure, up to fainting. The roots of the tree are extremely poisonous, so the tree has not found medical use in Europe.
Catalpa tree description
Catalpa (from Latin - Catalpa) is a small genus in the botanical family Bignonievyh. There are no more than 25 varieties in the species range, only 4 of which are grown in Russia. The genus includes both trees and bush forms of catalps. There are noticeable differences between the species in the shade of the leaves, their shape, the color of the buds, deciduousness, and other characteristics, but the appearance of the plant remains very characteristic, easily recognizable in any part of the world.
What does a catalpa look like?
The tree in cultivated plantings reaches 5-6 m, while at home it can exceed 20 m. The trunk is powerful, in some species it is erect, columnar, covered with a grayish-brown scaly bark.The branches form a dense hip or spherical crown. Photos of a catalpa tree often represent a standard form with a smooth, straight trunk. In free formation, the plant can grow a powerful trunk of more than 1 m at the base and a spreading irregular crown.
Catalpa leaves are large (up to 30 cm), rounded, often heart-shaped, oppositely attached with long petioles on the branches, in some species they can be collected in whorls. They appear on trees late - by the end of May. Up to this point, the bare plant may appear dead. Leaves fall in the fall immediately after a cold snap to 0 ° C, almost without changing color.
By autumn, long, thin fruits, reaching 40 cm, ripen on the trees. Multiple hanging pods give the catalpa a very unusual, decorative look and do not crumble until spring. For the peculiarities of its appearance, the plant received popular nicknames. In different parts of the world it is called the "macaroni tree" for the abundance of long pods, "elephant ears" for the shape of the leaves.
How fast catalpa grows
From the first months of life, the plant is characterized by rapid growth. The hatched seeds turn into small trees in a few months. Under favorable conditions, the annual growth of an adult plant exceeds 35 cm, in some species (for example, the magnificent Catalpa) - 100 cm.
How catalpa blooms
The most decorative culture, starting in June, when spectacular buds bloom on the branches. Catalpa flowers are able to surprise the most experienced gardeners. They resemble small orchids gathered in loose "chestnut" candles. The petals, depending on the variety, are snow-white to purple in color and up to 7 cm in diameter. Most often, there are soft creamy petals with yellowish stripes and contrasting specks in the center.
The profuse bloom is accompanied by a sweet, persistent scent that attracts bees and lasts up to 30 days. The pyramidal, erect inflorescences gradually develop into hanging pods. Ripening, long fruit pods are filled with many flying seeds.
Frost resistance of catalpa
The culture loves the sun and belongs to the thermophilic species. With sufficient illumination, a long warm period, the shoots and bark of the catalpa have time to ripen before the cold weather, which allows the tree to winter well. The ability of a thermophilic plant to tolerate frosts above 30 ° C was found.
The frost resistance of a tree does not directly depend on its species. It has been experimentally established that specimens grown from seed or cuttings of local plants are fully adapted to climate conditions. Saplings brought from warmer regions take a long time after planting and are prone to freezing.
For the central and black earth regions, the following forms of catalpa are recommended:
- Aurea;
- Pict;
- Nana;
- Captivity.
Best suited to the conditions of the middle lane, the catalpa is magnificent. Its trees even tolerate the climate of the northwest region with a short sunny season. Of the species for cultivation in temperate climates, the types of catalpa are called ovoid and bignium.
Catalpa root system
A feature of the plant is the enormous suction power of the root system. The surface roots of the tree are very branched, often protrude from the soil and are able to quickly drain the soil in the near-trunk circle. Therefore, watering the plants around the catalpa has to be done more often.
Thick roots penetrate deep into the soil up to 2 m, so the groundwater level in the area should not rise higher. The main suction mass is in the top 100 cm of the ground, so the trees require frequent watering during the hot season.
Catalpa varieties
The genus Catalpa has a little more than 10 species. Not all of them are suitable for planting in Europe and the Asian part of Russia. Most often, several of the most stable and beautiful species are used when planting in public parks and private estates.
Catalpa bignoniform (ordinary)
North American species. The height of an adult tree without special shaping can exceed 20 m. The leaves are similar in shape to lilac leaves, but larger in size. Common catalpa blooms with white buds, decorated with purple specks. The aroma is weak. The culture blooms 5 years after sowing the seeds. Planting by cuttings speeds up the process. The germination rate of planting material is at the level of 10-12%.
The frost resistance of the species is low. Young trees require shelter for the winter already in the middle lane. Adult plants from local planting material regularly lose the tips of the branches in winter, which does not interfere with normal flowering.
Catalpa Nana
A low tree grows up to 5 m, has a natural spherical crown shape. The plant has a slow growth and grows a flat crown with age, and a thin, straight trunk tends to thicken. One of the rare species of catalpa that does not produce flowers. The culture is undemanding to the soil and is able to endure a little shading, which makes it possible to use it for mass plantings, in parks, and landscaped gardens.
Catalpa is beautiful (magnificent)
Trees of this species are the tallest of the genus, reach 35 m in height without forming and are capable of growing powerful, voluminous trunks. The pyramidal crown is formed by branched shoots and large leaves (about 30 cm long). The buds are large, funnel-shaped, cream-colored with two yellowish stripes and cinnamon-colored spots inside. Particularly decorative is the species purverulenta (powdered) with completely pubescent leaves.
The culture differs in its late entry into fruiting. Mature trees of beautiful catalpa bloom closer to 10 years of age. Frost resistance and adaptability of the species are higher than other representatives of catalps. The magnificent catalpa wakes up earlier than other species in spring. Leaves appear by April. The seeds are distinguished by high germination rate, reaching 90%.
Catalpa ovoid
A variety imported from China, the name of which reflects the shape of the leaf plates least resembling a heart. In a familiar environment, trees grow up to 10 m. Due to the annual freezing in the middle lane, domestic specimens do not exceed 2 m in height. A distinctive feature of the species is a short growing season: the plant blooms only in July.
Ovate catalpa, with good care, is capable of blooming as early as 2 years after planting. Fruits and flowers are much smaller than those of congeners, and the seeds do not have time to ripen before the cold weather. Reproduction of this type of catalpa is produced by cuttings. The survival rate of planting material reaches 30%.
Catalpa hybrid (spherical)
The variety is created by the cross-pollination of the ordinary and ovoid forms. The tree grows up to 15 m and forms a rounded crown. The leaves are large, pale green, have pubescence on the underside and emit a specific unpleasant odor when rubbed. Inflorescences are loose, flowers up to 3 cm in diameter. Catalpa hybrid is especially in demand when landscaping streets and parks.
Catalpa in landscape design
The rapid growth of trees, as well as exceptional decorativeness at any time of the year, have made culture a favorite with gardeners and landscape designers. Plants are used in single, group plantings, form alleys. In the urban landscape, trees adorn the areas in front of office, residential buildings, shops.Resistance to a gaseous atmosphere allows you to decorate not only squares, but also sidewalks or roadsides of major highways.
The combination of several plants of different species with flowers or leaves of different shades increases the decorativeness of the plantings. Catalpa, surrounded by a hedge or border of cotoneaster, boxwood, hawthorn, creates a composition that is decorative all year round.
In small areas, a large catalpa (magnificent or bignoniform) creates the main accent and serves as the center of the entire garden composition. In large gardens, planting culture next to oak, paulownia, magnolia, coniferous trees is successful.
Fragrant flowering plants are excellent melliferous plants, the leaves emit volatile compounds that repel blood-sucking insects, and the tent crowns of trees provide a very dense shade. Thanks to such advantages, the tall catalpa very quickly became a favorite in private gardens, in courtyards and outdoor recreation areas.
The roots of the plant perfectly penetrate and hold the soil, which serves to anchor the loose banks of water bodies.
Catalpa on a trunk in landscape design perfectly frames paths, complements flower beds, leaving space for ornamental grasses, primroses, host, shrubs. For low, neat accents, use Catalpa Nana. If you want to create a more voluminous composition, decorate a hedge or a high fence, a hybrid type of catalpa is more often used.
How to grow catalpa from seeds
For seed reproduction, it is required to collect ripe pods in the fall. Ripe fruits are brown, and the pods begin to dry out. Inside the long valves are seeds with a small wing. The germination capacity of ripe specimens lasts up to 2 years, if stored in a dry, ventilated place.
Rules for growing catalpa from seeds:
- When harvesting material in the autumn, you can sow it immediately. The seeds do not need cold stratification. But it is better to postpone the procedure until March, when the plants are prone to increased vegetation.
- Before planting, the seeds are soaked for at least a day. A little potassium permanganate is added to the water for disinfection.
- When planting, the seeds are buried at least 2 cm into the soil.Thus, the seedlings independently get rid of the cover sheaths during germination, and the leaves unfold faster.
- Create a mini-greenhouse by covering the planting with plastic or glass. Place the pots in a lighted area.
- Seedlings appear no later than a week later, they immediately begin to develop rapidly.
After planting the seeds, the soil is kept moist at all times. Grown plants can die from both waterlogging and lack of water. Water the sprouts only when the leaves begin to wither or sag. This is how the catalpa signals the desirability of watering.
Planting and caring for catalpa outdoors
A tropical plant can feel good in an unusual climate, delight with excellent flowering and harmonious development. There are several features of the care measures that allow you to create suitable conditions for the catalpa.
Landing site preparation
Site selection and preparation for planting are very important to the successful growth of the tree. Under favorable conditions and timely care, catalpa is capable of developing and blooming for up to 100 years. To plant any of the plant species, you will need to find a place in the garden that is protected from drafts and winds prevailing in winter. The composition of the soil on the site can be very different, it is important to ensure a neutral or slightly acidic reaction of the substrate, looseness, and the absence of stagnant water.
Trees grow quickly and need space for harmonious crown formation. When planting, at least 4 meters are left between the plants, for which the site is marked in advance.There should be no tall buildings or trees nearby - a catalpa needs a lot of light.
How to plant a catalpa
In nurseries and large garden centers, you can buy seedlings 2 years old, they are strong enough for planting. Annual trees require more attention and neatness, but overwinter better than older specimens. Self-grown seedlings are planted at any suitable time: in the fall, immediately after the leaves fall, or in the spring before the trees awaken.
Catalpa planting process:
- The planting pit is arranged at least 1 m deep and about 70 cm in diameter.
- Drainage up to 20 cm is laid at the bottom, the rest of the volume is filled with the prepared nutrient mixture almost to the surface.
- The roots are placed in the soil, leveling the seedling in the center of the hole.
- Sprinkle the soil mixture to the edge, tamp it slightly.
- Water the plant abundantly and add the necessary layer of soil to the settled areas.
Watering and feeding
The culture is very demanding on soil moisture. Trees tolerate dry air and heat well with sufficient watering. The usual care regimen involves the introduction of at least 20 liters under the plant every 7 days. During a drought, watering is made more abundant, in the rainy season, they are guided by the condition of the trees.
The signal for watering the soil is the sagging of the leaf plates, which become soft, losing their elasticity. Abundant watering returns the greens to their previous state. To reduce moisture loss, the soil is mulched.
The culture responds well to feeding. Most often, organic fertilizers are used for catalpa. Slurry (1:10 with water) is applied at 5 liters per 1 tree along with watering three times per season. The first feeding after planting is applied not before the appearance of young leaves on the seedlings. The latter is carried out in August, allowing the plant to prepare for the period of winter dormancy.
In the spring, it is good to feed the catalpa trees with a solution of nitroammofoska; from September, the introduction of potassium-phosphorus compounds is permissible. In the fall, nitrogen compounds are completely eliminated.
Pruning catalpa
Spring work involves mandatory sanitary cleaning of trees. The tree is examined, the frozen parts of the branches, dry, damaged stems are removed. It is recommended to finish pruning catalpa in spring before the buds swell. In the fall (after dropping the leaves), they thin out and form a crown, leaving branches ready for wintering.
Usually catalpa is grown on a trunk up to 200 cm high. The crown is formed depending on the purpose of the planting. Ball-shaped is suitable for decorating gardens, lawns, paths. The spreading crown of the plant, trimmed flat from the bottom, forms a beautiful, sun-protected resting place or covers flower beds with shade-loving plants.
To form one even trunk, all growths are removed from the seedlings, leaving one central or closest to the vertical position. When the tree reaches a height of 1.5 m, pinch the top to start branching.
Preparing for winter
Young plants are more damaged by frost. The first few years after planting, the catalpa must be covered for the winter. Plants are completely wrapped in burlap or garden material, the soil around is mulched with a layer of up to 10 cm. Trees protected from the north by buildings, fences, and coniferous plantations tolerate winter well.
Mature plants are more adapted to cold weather. To prepare them for winter, it is enough to mulch the soil to protect the roots. In trees over 5 years old, only the ends of young branches are usually damaged, which should be cut off in the spring. The losses are quickly restored by fresh growth and do not affect the ability of the catalpa to bloom.
How catalpa reproduces
Catalpa for care and cultivation is very similar to the usual garden plants. Reproduction of exotic culture is no exception. It is carried out with seeds, green cuttings of the first year, and even layering.
Reproduction of catalpa by cuttings
The easiest way to get the desired amount of planting material, while completely preserving the specific characteristics of the plant, is green cuttings. The survival rate of cut catalpa shoots is estimated as 50/50. With good moisture content of the substrate, it is possible to preserve almost all the seedlings.
Young shoots up to 10 cm long are cut at the end of summer and buried in moist soil up to half. According to gardeners, there is no need to treat cuttings with stimulants. Roots appear quickly. Signals that the planting has taken root, the appearance of a fresh growth. In spring, plants can be planted permanently in the garden.
Reproduction of catalpa by seeds
Home-grown catalpa has several benefits:
- the ability to get any number of seedlings due to the high fertility of the culture;
- undemanding plants in care;
- high winter hardiness of seedlings.
With the indicated germination rate of about 10%, in practice it is possible to obtain a much higher yield of seedlings. But the method also has disadvantages. Seeds of a tropical tree do not always have time to ripen before the cold weather. This is especially true of late flowering catalpa species.
Among the advantages of cuttings are called a more even formation of the trunk in trees and an early entry into the flowering phase (in the 2-3 season). But this method produces plants that are vulnerable to frost in the first year after planting.
Diseases and pests
A healthy, well-groomed tree practically does not get sick and is not damaged by pests. In the incidence and susceptibility to infections, the formation of the catalpa crown and proper watering play an important role. Aeration of the branches and health of the root system, without prolonged drying out and excessive flooding, guarantee a healthy plant.
Weakened catalps in extreme heat are damaged by aphids or flies. For the destruction of pests, a double treatment with Decis or Festak preparations is carried out.
Stem pests that can destroy catalpa trunks from the inside are horntail. Hornet-like winged insects lay their eggs in wood. The emerging larvae can destroy the entire plant, gnawing through the passages inside the trunks. The fight against such grinders is difficult due to limited access. A healthy plant with intact bark is not of interest to pests.
Dense soil without air access provokes the occurrence of fungal infections in catalpa. Verticillary wilting (wilt) is most often noted. The disease is manifested by yellowing and death of the leaves of the lower part of the crown, often the lesion is not symmetrical. In the early stages, you can save the catalpa by treating the crown with fungicides (Fundazol, Topsin) and spilling the compounds over the soil.
Conclusion
Photos and descriptions of the catalpa tree, planting and caring for which are described in sufficient detail, do not give a complete picture of the beauty and grace of the plant. Seeing him on the streets of southern cities, many want to decorate their own garden or courtyard with a spectacular tree. Observing the described rules, growing a tropical plant in a temperate climate and preserving it in winter is a completely feasible task.
