Chinese Catalpa
Catalpa ovata

Family: Bignoniaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: White, Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Mid summer. Form: Oval.

Catalpa ovata is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 10

Where it is found

Open country and margins of woods to 2500 metres.

E. Asia - C. China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Flowers and young pods - cooked. They are boiled and washed. (possibly in that order so as to remove any bitterness)

Seedpod: things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The stems are diuretic (strongly).

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Other

Rating:

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Specimen. Prefers a good moist loamy soil and a sunny position that is not exposed. Tolerates heavy clay soils. Very resistant to atmospheric pollution. Plants are hardy to about -15°c, probably more in continental climates, they grow best in areas with hot summers. Protect plants from late frosts when they are young. Transplants easily. The flowers are very fragrant. The bruised foliage has an aromatic fragrance. The flowers are considered to be one of the best bee plants in Japan. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Special Features:Not North American native, Attractive flowers or blooms.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown outdoors, or in a cold frame, as soon as it is ripe. Stratify stored seed for 3 weeks at 1°c and sow in spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Softwood cuttings, 10cm long, in a frame. They should be taken in late spring to early summer before the leaves are fully developed. Root cuttings in winter.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. kaempferi.