The common trumpet tree (Catalpa bignonioides) - not to be confused with the similar-sounding but not hardy angel's trumpet (Brugmansia) - originally comes from the climatically rather milder regions in the south and east of North America. However, the deciduous tree, which can grow up to 15 meters high, has also been cultivated in Europe for several centuries and has adapted quite well to local conditions. This is especially true for older specimens, younger ones need good winter protection.
Trumpet trees are hardy from the age of 4 to 5 years
Protect young trumpet tree from cold
Only from the age of about four to five years is a trumpet tree considered hardy and requires either little or no winter protection. Younger specimens, on the other hand, are initially much more sensitive and require careful hardening. Careful winter protection is advisable for young trumpet trees. This can consist, for example, of wrapping the trunk and crown with gardener's fleece or foil, bamboo mats or jute. The root area is best covered with fir or spruce brushwood. Some gardeners recommend whitening the trunk instead - especially in regions with milder winters - to prevent the bark from tearing due to moisture, intense sunlight and frost.
It is best to overwinter cuttings frost-free
Also, cuttings up to an age of about two to three years are rarely so hardy that they could overwinter outdoors. At best, such a young trumpet tree stays in a planter and spends the cold season under frost-free but cool conditions. However, the tree should not overwinter in the warm living room, because as a deciduous plant it needs a vegetation break, and under such conditions there is no getting used to the seasons and thus no hardening.
Protect trumpet tree from moisture in winter
Like so many plants, the trumpet tree, which is robust in itself, is quite sensitive to moisture and often develops fungal diseases if the site conditions are too humid. To prevent such an infection, you must avoid excessive wetness, even in winter. For this reason, the root area in particular should be well protected, and whitening the trunk also protects against the ingress of moisture.
tips
However, a good, carefully chosen site offers the best guarantee of surviving a cold winter. The trumpet tree prefers a sunny and sheltered place with nutrient-rich, permeable and slightly sandy soil.