The fast-growing, medium-sized trumpet tree (Catalpa bignonioides) originally comes from the warm and sunny regions of south-eastern North America and has also been increasingly planted in this country for a number of years. The tree, which can grow up to ten meters wide, is mainly cultivated for its impressive, heart-shaped leaves and its summer flowers.
In early summer, the trumpet tree shows its impressive blossoms
Trumpet tree blooms between June and July
The white, bell-shaped flowers of the trumpet tree are arranged in upright panicles and are at their best in June and July. The hermaphrodite flowers exude a light scent that attracts numerous insects - especially bees - which is why the deciduous tree is also known as bee pasture. This develops bean-like, up to 35 centimeters long and slightly poisonous fruits.
Not every trumpet tree flowers
However, not every variety of the trumpet tree tends to flower. For example, the ball trumpet tree (especially the "Nana" variety) flowers only very rarely or at an older age. The blood trumpet tree (Catalpa erubescens Purpurea) and the golden trumpet tree (Catalpa bignonioides Aurea) also show their flowers from the fifth or sixth year at the earliest.
tips
Young trees in particular should preferably be supplied with organic fertilizer (compost or horn shavings) to promote growth and thus budding.