Mature Catalpa Bignonioides, Indian Bean Tree Options Explained
125-150cm: 3-5L pot. 1-3 years old
150-200cm: 5-12L pot. 2-4 years old.
Girth 10-12cm: Standard,18-25L pot, *Roughly 300-360cm tall (around 200cm of that clear stem)
Girth 12-14cm: Standard,30-35L pot, *Roughly 360-420cm tall (around 200cm of that clear stem)
Girth 14-16cm: Standard,35-50L pot, *Roughly 420-480cm tall (around 200cm of that clear stem)
Girth 16-18cm: Standard,50-70L pot, *Roughly 480-540cm tall (around 200cm of that clear stem)
*Heights/volumes are very approximate due to differing suppliers so only girth is guaranteed. Some trees over 5.5m may require specialist delivery but we will contact you if so.
For every girth measurement increment e.g. 6-8cm to 8-10cm, the canopy will be wider, stronger, bushier and the root system larger as it has experienced 12-18 months of growth. As a guide, each one cm girth measurement represents around 30cm growth but this doesn't apply to slow-growing trees.
Multi-stem means several stems starting very low to the ground. Comparing these with the same age Standard and Half Standard, these are typically shorter as growing several stems takes more effort than one stem and the girth measuring system does not apply.
Standard and Half Standard means lollipop shape. Industry definitions (which are not universal) mean Half Standard has around 80-150cm clear stem and Standard 180cm or more. Half Standards will usually be quite smaller than their standard equivalent girth size.
Feathered means it has an obvious single stem with side branching for most of it.
Mature Catalpa Bignonioides, Indian Bean Tree Aka Catawba, Common Catalpa, Eastern Catalpa, Indian Cigar and Smoking Bean
A medium to fast-growing deciduous tree reaching around 15m in height and spread at maturity. If it went on a date, the first compliment would probably be about the foliage or flowers. Commonly used in parks and tree gardens due to the distinctive appearance of the tree. Another distinctive feature is the nectar secreted by the foliage that attracts wildlife.
The Indian Bean tree has been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit which means it is very good or it knows people on the judging panel.
Like most deciduous trees, it revaluates its life in spring and turns over a new leaf.
Catalpa Bignonioides Leaves
The large heart-shaped and velvety bright green leaves reach around 15-25cm long with a downy underside (this might mean they are a little sad as they always feel downy). Frost-damaged foliage is likely to turn dark and fall off.
Catalpa Bignonioides Flowers
Expect a very large showing of white 'foxglove' like and 5cm long flowers with attractive purple and yellow flecks around July and August, so much so that much of the foliage is blocked out.
Catalpa Bignonioides Fruits
The 30cm long and persistent fruits of the Indian Bean tree last long into winter. These look like beans and are quite slim and cylindrical. They contain winged seeds which are released when the pod splits.
Planting Catalpa Bignonioides, Indian Bean Tree
Suitable for soils containing chalk, clay, loam or sand and acid, neutral or alkaline soils. Moist but well-drained in a full sun and sheltered position. Hardy to around minus 20 degrees centigrade.
Pruning Catalpa Bignonioides, Indian Bean Tree
Generally, leave alone and just prune out dead, diseased or crossing-over branches. Should you need to prune then best done in late winter on a dry day.
Other Information About Catalpa Bignonioides, Indian Bean Tree
Can be pollarded which means you can cut it back to the stump and it will grow new branches.
No reported toxins to livestock, horses, people, cats, dogs or birds.
Originated from the Eastern United States and was introduced in 1726.
Received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
It is rumoured by us that the name came from a botanist whilst out on a date with an animal rescue employee, a non-anorexic, older woman with rear-end issues. They sat under the most beautiful tree which turned out to have not been named so in honour of his date he named it after her, a cat helper big Nanna with hemorrhoids and over time it became shortened to Catalpa Bignonioides.
The wood is brittle and hard and does not rot readily hence used for fence posts.
Message card included at no additional cost if required. Just add the information required on the card at checkout.
See What Our Customers Are Saying About Our Mature Indian Bean Tree
The only reviews we have for this tree have been sent in sign language, brail and white ink and so cannot be listed here. We can assure you, they were all great reviews.
Tree Jargon Explained
Half Standard: Around 80-100cm clear stem.
Standard: Around 180-200cm clear stem.
Feathered: Branches for most of the trunk/stem length.
Multi-Stem/Bush: Very little or no clear stem. Multiple branching starting low to the ground.
Rootball: Dug from the field with roots intact i.e. no pot.
Pot: Plastic container that the tree was grown in.
Maiden: 1 year tree that has not been pruned.
Pleached: Foliage a square/rectangle flat shape wired to a bamboo frame with some clear stem.
Screen: Same as pleached but much less/no clear stem.
Multiple Order Discount
Orders over £750 for 150cm+ trees might be discounted by ​​​​​​​contacting us
Ornamental Tree Roots In The Shade e.g. Behind A Fence
It is more important that that foliage (posh term for leaves) receives the sunlight than the roots. So if the canopy of your ornamental tree can sunbathe but the bottom of your tree thinks there has been a nuclear winter then that is ok. You might want to ensure you have good drainage as water and no sun is the start of algae and other such issues.
Early Autumn Leaf Fall
Heat stress, being potted, lack of water, being boxed up for a few days etc can cause early Autumn leaf fall. Once planted, normal service will resume next season.
Do I Need To Stake My Ornamental Tree?
9 out of 10 times the answer will be no, especially if under 200cm tall. However our article on Tree Staking should help guide you.
Climate Change
Climate Change has increased aesthetic foliage issues such as Powdery Mildew, Shothole, Rust, frost damage etc These are not terminal issues and will usually last a season or less. All trees are inspected before being sent out to ensure they are fundamentally healthy and will bounce back.
