Catalpa bignonioides

Are you seeking a truly architectural specimen tree to provide structure and seasonal drama in your UK garden? Meet the Catalpa bignonioides, commonly known as the Indian Bean Tree, prized for its large, foliage and striking flower displays.

Through the seasons, you will enjoy lush green, heart-shaped leaves that offer a wonderful canopy, followed by panicles of beautiful white flowers marked with yellow and purple spots during June and July, giving it significant seasonal interest; older trees may occasionally produce long, slender brown or green seed pods in the autumn, and the leaves turn a lovely vivid yellow before dropping.

This tree performs best planted in a sunny, sheltered spot where it can develop its characteristically spreading, broad, domed crown, tolerating most fertile soils, including heavy clay, provided they are moist and well-drained; ensure it receives some protection from harsh winds to help establish its young structure, making it perfect as a solitary statement tree for spacious lawns where it can fully express its form.