The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Thecatalpa tree(Catalpa spp.
Light
The catalpa does best with at least four hours of direct sunlight per day.
Itprefers full sunto really thrive.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Good drainage is always preferred, but catalpa trees can survive both flooding and extended periods of drought.
It’s not overly bothered by high humidity or dryness.
The Chinese catalpa is a somewhat different species with yellow flowers, also known as yellow catalpa.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
All three are commonly planted outside their native areas as ornamental landscape trees.
Pruning
Catalpas should get regular pruning in youth to ensure good stable growth and good form.
Start pruning at one year for new trees.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Pruning is best done in early spring after blooming or late fall.
Some varieties, such as the Haitian catalpa, begin producing flowers in the first two years of maturity.
They can be grown from soft root cuttings or branch cuttings, or from seed.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
They also reseed freely in most areas where they are established.
Despite their rapid rate of growth, catalpa trees usually only live to be about 60 years old.
Signs of deterioration include the branches becoming dry and brittle after leaves fall in autumn.
