Catalpa erubescens Purpurea

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.