The trumpet tree (Catalpa bignonioides - not to be confused with the similar-sounding angel's trumpet!) originally from North America has been cultivated as an ornamental tree in Europe since the 18th century. The deciduous tree, which is up to 18 meters high, is particularly striking because of its leaves, which are up to 20 centimeters long. It owes its name to the large, orchid-like flowers that bathe the tree in a sea of white blossoms between June and July. The rather uncomplicated trumpet tree is also very easy to propagate.
Propagation from seeds usually works well
Propagation by seeds is (usually) easy
Up to 40 centimeters long, bean-like fruit pods develop from the large flowers by autumn, which is why the trumpet tree is also nicknamed the "bean tree". These remain on the tree until the following spring and only then ripen. You can harvest the very fine seeds inside when the pods have turned brown. Sow the seeds in potting soil, cover them lightly and place the pot in a light and warm place. The small grains usually germinate within a few days.
Propagating trumpet tree from cuttings
However, not all trumpet trees form seeds. In this case, fruits are hanging on the tree, but they are empty. By the way, you have the best chance of seeds after a very warm and rather humid summer! Alternatively, the trumpet tree can also be propagated using cuttings. Cut them after flowering in late summer, with this year's shoots being the best.
- The cuttings should be about 10 to 15 centimeters long.
- Cut the shoots so that there is a dormant eye just above the cutting point.
- Remove all but the top two leaves.
- Halve the remaining leaves.
- Dip the slightly beveled end in a rooting substrate.
- Plant the cuttings in a pot with potting soil.
- Put the pot in a warm and bright place.
- Keep the substrate evenly moist (but not wet!).
Overwinter the cuttings frost-free, but cool, and cultivate them in a bucket for the first two years if possible.
tips
Older trumpet trees very often form sinkers themselves, which root in the immediate vicinity of the mother plant. You should always remove these, but you can also cut them off and use them like cuttings for propagation.