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Catalpa erubescens Purpurea

Catalpa erubescens Purpurea
Bean tree

3,9/5
3 reviews
2 reviews
1 reviews
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1 reviews

During transportation, the leading shoot of the first young plant was cut off because it exceeded the package. So, I asked for a replacement and received a second young plant without any difficulty. Unfortunately, once again, the leading shoot of the second young plant was pruned, this time with secateurs, to fit it into the neck of the package, I presume. Could an experienced gardener have made such mistakes?

Catherine, 16/04/2023

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

More information

Graden Merit
A beautiful variety of the bean tree with purple-brown foliage. In summer, it produces white flowers tinged with yellow. A decorative tree still too rare in gardens.
Flower size
25 cm
Height at maturity
10 m
Spread at maturity
10 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -23°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Recommended planting time February to May, September to November
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Flowering time July to August
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Description

Catalpa x erubescens 'Purpurea' is a beautiful purple variety of the bean tree. It is a medium-sized tree that reaches 8 m to 10 m (26.2 ft to 32.8 ft) in width, and its light shade in summer is particularly sought after.

 

In spring, its abundant foliage is at its darkest. When it buds, it emerges purple-brown and then lightens during the summer. Its white bell-shaped flowers are tinged with yellow and appear in pendulous clusters, 25 cm to 30 cm (9.8 in to 11.8 in) long. They then give way to long brown pods, resembling beans. It is this amazing fruiting that has earned it its name (in the Cherokee language Catalpa means beans). Indeed, the tree from which this variety originates is native to North America. The habit of the tree is initially beautifully pyramidal and then becomes rounded over time.

Completely hardy, Catalpa x erubescens 'Purpurea' requires a bright exposure and rich, light, and deep soil.

Catalpa erubescens Purpurea in pictures

Catalpa erubescens Purpurea (Flowering) Flowering
Catalpa erubescens Purpurea (Foliage) Foliage
Catalpa erubescens Purpurea (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 10 m
Spread at maturity 10 m
Habit spreading
Growth rate fast

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time July to August
Inflorescence Cluster
Flower size 25 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour bronze

Botanical data

Genus

Catalpa

Species

erubescens

Cultivar

Purpurea

Family

Bignoniaceae

Other common names

Bean tree

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference78150311

Planting and care

Plant in a sunny position, possibly with some light shade. Be careful not to plant it in a windy area as its wood is brittle. It thrives in any type of soil as long as it is deep and well-drained. Suffocating soils can lead to an attack of wood-rotting fungi (such as Armillaria, a parasitic fungus that feeds on tree wood). After planting, water generously to remove any air pockets. In case of dry spells, water for a few weeks to promote root growth.

Planting period

Recommended planting time February to May, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Border, Free-standing
Hardiness Hardy down to -23°C (USDA zone 6a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Any
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Clayey-chalky (heavy and alkaline), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Well-drained and deep

Care

Pruning instructions To train into a pyramid shape (classic tree form), clear a leading shoot and limit the appearance of too low lateral branches for a balanced habit and a tall trunk. You can also train it as a vine-plant, which means pruning the trunk to about 50 cm (19.7 in) from the ground, being careful to cut above the graft point. This way, several lateral trunks will appear the following year, spreading the silhouette even more. These operations should be done in the early years of establishment, as cutting large branches will make your tree prone to fungi and weaken it irreversibly. It is preferable to stay with diameters below 3 cm (1.2 in). You can perform the training pruning in winter from November to March over two or three years.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time January to March, November to December
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
3,9/5

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