The Manchurian Catalpa is a small deciduous tree that has large, heart-shaped leaves and clusters of showy pink flowers. It is an Asian relative of the more commonly known northern catalpa, which has beautiful white, striped flowers. This is a good tree to grow for the gardener that wants something that is more unusual and less common than the regular catalpa. It can be grown as a shade tree and as a flowering tree. Native to China. Flowers in May and June. This small, bushy pyramidal tree is distinguished by its deep-lined bark, delicate pale pink or white flowers, and large, glabrous green leaves. Over time, it develops into a bushy tree, providing shade and ornamental value combined with highly valued wood. Its heart shaped leaves measure 5 -18 cm in length and 4 -11 cm in width. Petioles are 2-8 cm long and flowers measure 2.5-4 cm. An ideal landscape tree for any setting. Hardy in zones 5-9.
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Growing Instructions for the Manchurian Catalpa
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The seeds need to be planted when received or stored in a refrigerator until they are planted. The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted in the fall for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy. The seeds are stored in a refrigerator so they have already been stratified. 1. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. 2. Fill a pot with a mixture of potting soil and sand, peat moss or vermiculite. The seeds need moist, well-drained soil. Use pots that have drainage holes in the bottom. 3. Sow the seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. 4. Water the container and leave it to drain. 5. Put the pot in a warm, sunny area. 6. Water the pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet.