Catalpa fargesii f. DUCLUXII Farges catalpa

Farges catalpa is a rare plant that was found by western dendrologists in China in early 20th century. Forma ducluxii is a unique plant that deserves undivided attention when in full bloom. Its flowers are formed in upright panicles, larger than on Northern catalpa, lilac to pink in colour with conspicuous yellow and red blotches in the throat. The flowering display is just amazing. Blooming time is early July.

Deciduous leaves are narrowly heart-shaped, mid green. It grows medium fast. Shrub forms look best as they naturally make a wide umbrella shape from the ground. Tree forms make umbrella crowns, too, and tend to produce tiered branches with age. In the wild it grows about 8m tall but is usually kept much smaller by pruning in early spring. Pruned catalpas have denser and more compact crowns.

This plant is a perfect item for summer-style landscapes where summer flowering is a key issue: near swimming pools and patios where you spend most of your time during summer.

Catalpas are not too picky about pH or soil type. However, they will respond well to good, well-drained soil. Our catalpas performed exceptionally well even on clay and withstood temporary water-logging. They do not suffer from air-pollution and adverse conditions. Fully hardy to approx. -26°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update 27-12-2010.