Catalpa bignonioides - Indian Bean Tree, Plant in 2 L Pot

This well know and very popular tree is neither from India, nor does it produce 'beans' in any true sense of the word. It originates primarily from South America, however, there are a few native trees to be found in China. A magnificent, deciduous tree of outstanding quality that has been granted the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Growing up to 60ft tall in favourable locations, it has large mid green heart shaped leaves that emerge later than many other trees but have considerable beauty in their own right. In June and July, large panicles of trumpet shaped, fragrant flowers are produced in huge numbers, almost smothering the leaves. The individual flowers are white with purple and gold spots. In autumn the tree will have produced large numbers of long, brown seed pods that hang gracefully from the branches through most of the winter. Mature trees have a pleasing fissured bark. This is a large tree but is often pruned/topiary to form an attractive "Ball shape" for locations with less room than it would require as a full size tree. It is initially fast growing but slows to medium as it matures. Catalpa prefers a full sun location in most moist soils. Can be grown in a large pot as long as there is a reliable supply of water to prevent desiccation. Use a good quality Compost and add a controlled release fertiliser of 8 - 9 months duration each spring. The plants in this listing are well established and 50 to 70cm tall, excluding the pot.