Indian bean tree (Catalpa bignonioides) is a tree that can grow higher than 15m tall and wider than 8 metres wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Indian bean tree (Catalpa bignonioides).
This plant has several common names including: Indian bean tree, catawba, common catalpa, eastern catalpa, Indian cigar or smoking bean.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 20-50 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: Indian bean tree, catawba, common catalpa, eastern catalpa, Indian cigar, smoking bean
Scientific name: Catalpa bignonioides
Plant type: Trees
Habit: Bushy
Height: Higher than 15m
Spread: Wider than 8 metres
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Well drained
Garden type: Architectural, Informal Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding, Low Maintenance
Other characteristics: Plants for pollinators, RHS Award of Garden Merit
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Indian bean tree (Catalpa bignonioides) – Reinhold Möller, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Trees are essential plants in gardens, large and small, with their sculptural presence.
In terms of design, they add height, structure and interest all year round with attractive flowers, foliage, fruits and trunks.
In addition, they provide home and a food source for birds and other wildlife.
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How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Indian bean tree (Catalpa bignonioides), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Indian bean tree (Catalpa bignonioides) is a plant that adapts to all types of soils, chalk, clay, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Catalpa bignonioides likes to grow in moist but well drained or well drained soils.
Sunlight
Indian bean tree (Catalpa bignonioides) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Indian bean tree (Catalpa bignonioides) – Jerzy Opioła, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
