Catalpa speciosa pulverulenta

The Catalpa speciosa 'Pulverulenta', also known as Elegant Catalpa, is an ornamental tree with original green foliage speckled with white. In June-July, its foliage is scattered with white flowers in terminal spikes giving a very refined display. Planted in rich, fresh soil and sheltered from strong winds, this tree's luxuriant crown will provide you with dense shade during hot summer days, while its deciduous foliage will let in the gentle rays of winter sun.

The Catalpa genus consists of 11 deciduous tree species with rapid growth. They are appreciated for their remarkable flowering in terminal spikes and their decorative foliage, composed of large leaves. All representatives of the Catalpa genus bear fruit in the form of long, slender pods, similar to beans, often decorative. If they benefit from good planting conditions, they develop rapidly to form magnificent trees with dense and luxuriant crowns. The Catalpa speciosa, also known as Heart-leaved Catalpa, stands out, with its heart-shaped leaves, but also with its conical habit. It can reach 30m (98ft 5in) tall in its natural habitat of the central Mississippi basin. The 'Pulverulenta' variety has a slower growth and offers more modest dimensions than the typical species; about 5m (16ft) tall and 4m (13ft) wide. It is a tree with a spreading, rather compact habit, topped by a wide, rounded and dense crown. Its trunk is relatively short, covered with a grey-brown bark, and bears luxuriant foliage that provides pleasant shade from May onwards. This tree is deciduous and will not block the precious winter sun rays! The 'Pulverulenta' variety of Catalpa displays very bright foliage which is tender green, speckled with cream white. Its leaves are very large and wide (30cm (11.8in) long, 20cm (7.9in) wide), heart-shaped, smooth on top and slightly hairy underneath. The colours of this amazing Catalpa brighten up the dark areas of the garden. In June-July, the Catalpa speciosa 'Pulverulenta' is adorned with a multitude of white flowers. This flowering is composed of small, campanulate flowers, white with yellow throats, arranged in very airy terminal spikes followed by the appearance of fruits in the form of very long and slender pods, first green then brown, hanging from the tree. This decorative fruiting contains winged seeds, which, when the pods open, gracefully fly away with the breeze.

The Catalpa speciosa grows naturally in sparse forests with rich and fresh soils. This tree appreciates sunny or semi-shaded positions, sheltered from strong and drying winds. It does not tolerate drought but offers excellent hardiness, allowing it to withstand temperatures down to -20° (-4°F). Plant your Catalpa speciosa 'Pulverulenta' in fertile, deep, fresh, loose and well-drained soil. Create a good basin for it to benefit from effective watering. During the growing season, water inputs should be regular, especially in the first years after planting. The Catalpa speciosa develops a spreading root system. Therefore, place it far enough away from buildings to avoid damaging your foundations. The maintenance of the Elegant Catalpa 'Pulverulenta' consists of pruning it in late winter. Remove dead and diseased branches, as well as those that cross to maintain a harmonious habit. Easy to grow and resistant to diseases, this tree will reveal all its splendour if it has been properly planted.

Thanks to its deciduous foliage and its spreading and dense crown, the Catalpa speciosa 'Pulverulenta' constitutes a remarkable shade tree. Planted in isolation, it will work well in the middle of a lawn. It will also look good among a mass of shade-loving perennials such as purple periwinkles 'Velvet', Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila' or Columbines 'Yellow Queen'. Used as an avenue tree, in groups of 2 or 3, this Catalpa forms shaded, verdant and flourishing pathways!