Catalpa Bignoides - Evergreen Trees Direct

Catalpa Bignoides

Name: Catalpa Bignoides
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
Price: 5000.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$5,000.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

1000 in stock

Size: 800L

800L 100L 40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

45L: 1.5m – 2m Approx.
100L: 3m – 4m Approx.
800L: 3.8m – 5m Approx.

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

About Catalpa Bignoides

Catalpa bignonioides (Southern Catalpa or Indian Bean Tree) is a fast-growing, deciduous tree with large heart-shaped leaves and striking white flowers marked with purple and yellow. It forms an upright, oval to pyramidal canopy that provides excellent shade and a lush, eye-catching presence in gardens, parks, and streetscapes.

They look excellent as a feature tree where bold foliage and seasonal floral display add character. This tree adapts well to urban conditions and various soils, combining low maintenance with good drought tolerance once established.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Catalpa Bignoides is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 8m - 15m Approximately

Mature Width: 6m – 12m

Catalpa Bignoides is expected to grow Approx. 60 – 100 cm per year.

Frost Tolerance

Is Catalpa Bignoides frost tolerant?

Catalpa Bignoides is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Flowering Information

Catalpa bignonioides produces large clusters of showy white trumpet-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer. Marked with yellow and purple speckling inside the throat, these striking blooms create a bold, ornamental display above the broad, heart-shaped foliage.

Native Information

Is Catalpa Bignoides an Australian Native? No

Catalpa Bignoides is Native to The southeastern United States, particularly along riverbanks and moist woodlands from Georgia to Mississippi.

Wildlife Value

Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies and hoverflies, while the broad canopy provides shelter for small birds. The long seed pods also support insect activity, contributing to a biodiverse and dynamic garden ecosystem.

Sunlight Information

Catalpa Bignoides will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preffered Soil

Catalpa bignonioides performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It can struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained areas unless improved with organic matter to enhance aeration and structure. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support strong flowering and vigorous seasonal growth.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Indian Bean Tree

Genus: Catalpa

Botanical Species: Catalpa bignonioides

Family: Bignoniaceae

Botanical Name: Catalpa bignonioides

Landscape Uses

Shade Tree
Feature Tree
Avenue Planting
Council or Civic Landscapes

Catalpa Bignoides works in an:

Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.

Planting, Spacing & Care

Select an Ideal Location: Choose a location with well-draining soil and access to full sun or partial shade.

Prepare the Soil: Ensure the soil is adequately prepared, free from weeds, and enriched with organic matter if needed.

Dig a Planting Hole: Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and 2-3 times as wide.

Position the Tree: Place Catalpa bignonioides in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.

Backfill with Soil: Fill the hole with soil, gently tamping it down to eliminate air pockets.

Water Thoroughly: Water the tree generously after planting to aid in soil settlement.

Hedging & Screening: Not suitable due to broad canopy.

Feature Tree: Space 4 m – 6 m apart to showcase its dramatic leaves and spreading shape.

Avenue Planting Trees: Plant 6 m – 8 m apart for bold avenue structure.

Watering: Provide regular watering during the initial years to establish a strong root system. Once established, Southern Catalpa demonstrates increased drought tolerance. Maintain consistent soil moisture, particularly in dry periods.

Pruning: Minimal pruning is generally required. Prune as needed to remove dead or crowded branches during dormancy.

Fertilization: Southern Catalpa typically does not demand frequent fertilization. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring if necessary to support robust growth.

Pest and Disease Management: Monitor for common tree pests and diseases and address any issues promptly.

Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the tree to conserve soil moisture, stabilize soil temperature, and deter weed growth.

Optimizing Soil for Showy Blooms and Large Leaves

Ideal Drainage: Does best in moist, well-drained soil.

Well-Draining Soil: Ideal for supporting its lush growth and ornamental features.

If you have the following soil, here are some tips for you:

Sandy Soil: Improve with organic compost to enhance moisture retention and nutrient availability.
Clay Soil: Amend with organic material to lighten and improve drainage while retaining moisture.
Loamy Soil: Perfect as it is; just ensure it stays enriched and doesn’t dry out completely.
Peaty Soil: Naturally moisture-retentive, which Catalpa likes; just check for and improve drainage if necessary.

Catalpa Bignoides is expected to grow Approx. 60 – 100 cm per year.

Fast Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Ideal Conditions

Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Sydney & Central Coast
South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
Alpine / High Country (Bright, Mansfield)
Adelaide Metro & Coastal
Adelaide Hills & Barossa

Thrives in

Full Sun

Frost Tolerance

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Drought Tolerance

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Catalpa bignonioides develops moderate drought tolerance. It performs best with deep, occasional watering during extended dry periods and maintains steady growth in a wide range of climates.

Flowering Information

Does Catalpa Bignoides flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Summer

Flower Type:

Bell-shaped

Flower Colour:

White

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the mature height of Catalpa bignonioides?
A: Southern Catalpa typically reaches a mature height of 12-18 meters with a width of 6-12 meters.

Q: Is Catalpa bignonioides drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, once established, this deciduous tree exhibits increased drought tolerance.

Q: What is the significance of the long slender seedpods on Southern Catalpa?
A: The distinctive seedpods are an interesting feature of this tree, often adding ornamental value to the landscape as they dangle from the branches.

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