In the southeastern United States, the trumpet tree (Catalpa bignonioides) is widespread in both private gardens and public parks. The deciduous tree, which is up to 18 meters high and has a very lush crown, has a high ornamental value due to its large, heart-shaped leaves and the magnificent blossom, but its wood is also used primarily for furniture and decorative elements.
The flowers of the trumpet tree are a real feast for the eyes
Bell-shaped flowers gave trumpet tree its name
The bell-shaped flowers, up to 15 centimeters long, appear in June and July. They are arranged in panicles and have two yellowish longitudinal stripes and purple spots inside. They are very similar to orchid flowers and are also eponymous for Catalpa due to their shape. Incidentally, the trumpet tree is also called 'Trumpet Tree' in English or, due to the characteristic shape of the fruit, also 'Indian bean tree'. The flowers give off a light scent that attracts bees and bumblebees in particular.
Ball trumpet tree only flowers a little
In contrast to its larger cousin, the dwarf trumpet tree flowers only very rarely and when it does, then only at a very advanced age. So if you don't have too much space in the garden, but want to grow the trumpet tree mainly because of its flowers, the ball trumpet tree is not a good choice.
Buds form already in the previous year
The approximately two to five millimeters large, round flower buds are white and slightly scaly. A special feature of the trumpet tree is that it develops the buds for the next bloom in the autumn of the previous year. For this reason, the crown of the tree in particular should be protected in cold winters and especially during late frosts in spring so that the buds do not freeze back. In addition, it is best to cut back directly after flowering, but before bud formation.
tips
The yellow trumpet tree (Catalpa ovata), which comes from Asia, has distinctive yellow flowers rather than white ones.