Photo of Catalpa bungei foliage by Forestfarm

Photo by Forestfarm

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Catalpa bungei

Also Known As

  • Dwarf Indian Bean Tree

Plant type

tree

size

  • H: 20'-30'
  • W: 25'

planting zones

  • 5a-10b

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Catalpa bungei plant details

Catalpa bungei is a broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In summer pink, purple and white flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Catalpa bungei

Plant type: tree
Plant family: bignoniaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 25 FT wide, 20 FT - 30 FT - tall
Flowers: pink, purple and white blooms in summer
Uses: fragrant, heart-shaped leaves, rare, small tree, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Catalpa bungei

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A rare and smaller (in all aspects) version of the American ?Indian Bean?, this 18-25' pyramidally-shaped tree produces showy clusters of white-spotted-purple flowers; appreciates wind-protection for its huge leaves. S/M
Fragrant orchid-like blooms & hardy to -20° F, this beautiful native of China makes a very cool small specimen tree, especially for urban settings as it’s also highly tolerant of atmospheric pollutants. Forming a spreading umbrella shaped crown of lovely, large (10”), thickly overlapping, heart shaped leaves throughout Spring - the bloom show arrives in July & August when the sweetly scented ½” flowers are borne on upright 12” panicles - either pink or white in color with showy violet & yellow markings. These are followed by amazing 20” long “bean” pods. To a max of 30’ tall, it’s often pruned much shorter by topping to create strong horizontal branching. Can be grown in a container too! Best in well-drained soil. Deciduous.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Catalpa bungei plant

How to Grow Catalpa bungei

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - low
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • pink
    • purple
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Catalpa for your garden

aka Indian Bean Tree

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 25'-30'

Width: 25'-30'

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' foliage by Karl Gercens III
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aka Catalpa erubescens 'Purpurea', Indian Bean Tree

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 30'-50'

Width: 20'-40'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Catalpa x erubescens 'Purpurea' foliage, form by Karl Gercens III
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aka Variegated Bean Tree

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 20'-25'

Width: 20'-25'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Catalpa bignonoides 'Variegata' foliage by Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery
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aka Chinese Catalpa, Chinese Yellow Catalpa, Japanese Catalpa, Yellow Catalpa

Plant Type

Tree, Perennial

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 20'-30'

Width: 20'-30'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Catalpa ovata foliage by Fanghong
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aka Northern Catalpa

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

4b-9a

Size

Height: 30'-70'

Width: 20'-50'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Catalpa speciosa flower by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT
View Plant

More Options

+3 more Catalpa
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