WHAT: Bold yellow foliage is the hallmark of golden catalpa, a small deciduous tree. In spring, huge heart-shaped leaves explode from an open frame of branches creating one of the most dramatic foliage displays around.
New leaves sometimes have a slight blush of red that quickly gives way to a brilliant golden yellow.
WHY PLANT IT: This catalpa, known as catalpa bignonioides aurea, is extraordinary tolerant of poor garden soils. Once established, it also can be quite drought tolerant. Although a fast grower in youth, the tree quickly slows as it matures.
HOW: Pair catalpa with dark green and bronze-leafed plants to heighten the drama. Fine textured plants, such as large ornamental grasses, create a contrast. Because this tree is slow to leaf out, it creates an ideal canopy for spring bulbs.
After a few years in the ground, catalpa can be coppiced or cut back hard to about 18 inches from the ground, in early spring annually or every few years to encourage a dramatic and robust flush of extra-large foliage. If allowed to grow into a tree, it will slowly become a glowing focal point.
Coppiced plants should be grown in rich soil and have additional summer watering. If left to grow as a tree it will be relatively drought tolerant once established, requiring only occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.
Little pruning is necessary. Dead, broken or poorly formed branches can be removed during winter.
WHERE: Catalpa’s best growth and brightest color happens in full sun to partial shade. Young trees’ leaves may brown on the edges during the first year or two, but once the root system is established, they should be resistant to burning.
ACTUAL SIZE: If left to grow as a tree, it will develop a rounded crown about 15 to 18 feet tall and slightly less wide in 10 years. Coppiced plants will reach 6 to 8 feet tall the following season after cutting.
LEARN MORE: See www.greatplantpicks.org.
Source: Great Plant Picks
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