Catalpa Bignoides - Evergreen Trees Direct

Catalpa bignonioides

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 100L 150L 800L

Current Stock Height Guides

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

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 8m to 15m (approx.)

Mature Width: 6m to 12m

Catalpa bignonioides is expected to grow 60cm to 100cm per year (approx.).

Root Ball Dimensions

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)

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Shipping

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

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Contact

Have a question or a list to send through to us?

Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Catalpa bignonioides

Catalpa bignonioides, the Indian Bean Tree or Southern Catalpa, is a deciduous shade tree with very large heart shaped leaves and a broad rounded canopy. White bell flowers marked with purple and yellow appear in early summer, followed by the long slender seed pods that give the tree its common name.

It grows in full sun in most soils, including compacted urban ground, and puts on about 60 centimetres to 1 metre a year while young. Frost is no issue, since it survives heavy and frequent frost without damage. Cool temperate and warm temperate districts suit it, and it is drought tolerant once established.

It is used as a shade tree in parks, on wide verges, in avenue plantings and as a feature in larger gardens. The dense leaf cover throws deep shade in summer, then drops to let winter sun through. Councils plant it where a bold, fast establishing canopy is needed on a difficult site.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Indian Bean Tree

How big does Catalpa bignonioides grow?

In Australian conditions expect roughly 8 to 12 metres tall and 6 to 10 metres wide at maturity, forming a broad, rounded canopy on a short trunk. It reaches useful shade size quickly, adding about 60 centimetres to 1 metre a year early on before slowing. Allow generous room, as this is not a small garden tree.

Is it evergreen or deciduous?

Deciduous. It drops all its leaves through the colder months and leafs out late in spring, later than most deciduous trees. The long seed pods hang on through winter and become a feature of the bare tree. That late leaf flush is normal for the species and not a sign of a problem.

When does it flower?

Early summer, generally November into December, once the canopy is fully out. The white bell shaped flowers are held in upright clusters and marked inside with purple spots and yellow stripes. Trees usually need several years in the ground before they flower well, and flowering is heaviest in an open, sunny position.

Does it need sun or shade?

Full sun. The tree develops its best form, heaviest flowering and densest canopy in an open position with all day light. It tolerates part shade but grows more openly and flowers less. It also handles reflected heat, exhaust and compacted soil, which is why it turns up in streetscapes and car park islands.

Is it a good street tree?

It is widely used as one. It tolerates pollution, compacted soil and root restriction, establishes quickly and casts heavy shade. Two things to plan for: the large leaves and long pods create seasonal litter, and the broad canopy needs clearance from overhead lines. Given room and a decent planting pit, it performs reliably.

Is it frost tolerant?

Yes, very. It survives heavy and frequent frost without damage and is at home in cold inland districts such as the tablelands, Canberra and central Victoria. Being deciduous, it is dormant and leafless through the coldest part of the year. Late spring frosts can burn early growth, and the tree reshoots without setback.

How do I care for an Indian Bean Tree?

Water deeply through the first two or three summers, after which it manages on rainfall in most temperate districts. Mulch out to the dripline and keep grass off the root zone while it is young. Prune in winter to lift the canopy and remove crossing limbs. Rake up leaves and pods where litter matters.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

View full details

Type: Garden Supplies

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Shade Tree
Feature Tree
Avenue Planting
Council or Civic Landscapes

Catalpa bignonioides 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.

Is Catalpa bignonioides Evergreen or Deciduous?

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

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 8m to 15m (approx.)

Mature Width: 6m to 12m

Catalpa bignonioides is expected to grow 60cm to 100cm per year (approx.).

Growth Rate of Catalpa bignonioides

Catalpa bignonioides is expected to grow 60cm to 100cm per year (approx.).

They are considered to have a:

Fast Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Catalpa bignonioides

Is Catalpa bignonioides frost tolerant?

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

Does Catalpa bignonioides Flower?

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.

Does Catalpa bignonioides flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Summer

Flower Type:

Bell-shaped

Flower Colour:

White

Is Catalpa bignonioides an Australian Native Tree?

No

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

What is the Wildlife Value of Catalpa bignonioides ?

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.

How much Sunlight does Catalpa bignonioides need?

Catalpa bignonioides will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred 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.

Is Catalpa bignonioides Drought Tolerant?

Is Catalpa bignonioides Drought tolerant?

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.

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How To Plant Your Catalpa bignonioides

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Catalpa bignonioides

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Catalpa bignonioides is expected to grow 60cm to 100cm per year (approx.).

Fast Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Catalpa bignonioides

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Catalpa bignonioides in Different Soil

Catalpa Bignoides performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

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.