Spectacular catalpa tree: planting and caring in an open area
A charming beauty with a lush crown and heart-shaped foliage is a catalpa tree, planting and caring for which consists of a number of rules. It is important to observe them. After all, the plant came to us from distant India, Japan, China and the American continent. Indian tribes used different parts of the culture to treat malaria. She was credited with divine origin, calling it a "tree of happiness" and a symbol of joy.
Oriental dress of stately culture
Catalpa belongs to the genus Bignoniums. In its natural environment, it grows up to 20 m. Ornamental species that are found in gardens and city parks reach a maximum of 6 m. Depending on climatic conditions, the pasta tree can shed its foliage or keep it all year round.
The plant has a powerful trunk, covered with a dark brown multilayered bark, with small cracks. The dense spherical crown consists of many branches directed in different directions. Smooth leaf plates resemble a large heart and are painted in bright green. The maximum length is about 25 cm. Even in the wilting season, it remains as attractive as in spring.
The first time a tree of happiness blooms 6 years after planting. The buds are collected in lush bouquets. Outwardly, they resemble chestnut candles.
Flowers are painted in the following colors:
- snow-white;
- pink;
- rich cream.
In the very middle of the bud, scarlet or bright yellow specks are visible. Inflorescences appear in early summer. They emit a pleasant aroma and bring joy to passers-by. After successful pollination, green pods are formed with a length of about 40 cm. From the side they resemble thin pasta or icicles. Inside are seeds in the form of miniature beans. The pods remain on the branches until spring, slightly changing their color.
Decorative suggestions for the garden
In nature, there are about 38 varieties of catalpa. The orchid tree, which is grown on the territory of a country house or in city parks, belongs to decorative forms. Scientists count only 10 of these varieties. Consider a few dignified representatives of the garden tree of happiness.
Catalpa bignoniform
The culture grows up to 20 m in height. The trunk is covered with lamellar brown-gray bark. Its thickness at the base reaches 100 cm. Catalpa bignonium has a spherical spreading crown shape. The branches are decorated with lilac-like leaf plates, but of a larger size. They do not change color even in autumn, when other trees don their golden outfit. Throughout the season, foliage emits a specific odor that scares away insect pests... The buds are painted in snow-white color. Inside the miniature "orchid" there are purple strokes. At high humidity, the inflorescences exude a heady apple aroma.
Such varieties as "Golden", "Purple", "Kene" differ in different shades of leaf plates. Accordingly, they are yellow-green, purple, with marble stains.
Catalpa Nana
A slow growing tree is ideal for a garden plot. Under its lush ball-shaped crown it is convenient to hide from the summer heat. Over time, the top of the plant flattens. As a result, it expands in width. The variety never "puts on" an outfit of inflorescences. Its beauty lies in luscious greenery that sways gracefully in the wind.
To protect the plant from powdery mildew and aphids, it must be regularly treated with fungicides.
Catalpa the Beautiful
The species is the tallest. Mature trees are about 35-40 m tall. For a year, the Beautiful catalpa grows up to 100 cm.They have a pyramidal crown. The foliage is bright green in color without aroma. The surface of the plate is smooth. Inflorescences appear in the 10th year of life. The species tolerates winter cold wonderfully. A popular variety of catalpa is "Powdered". Its heart-shaped foliage is covered with small specks. And inside the buds purple spots "smile".
Catalpa Ovate (Chinese or yellow)
The homeland of the variety is the western part of China. The maximum plant height is about 10 m. It has a spreading crown, which is formed by numerous branches. Wide rounded leaf plates with curved edges are painted in a pale green color. The buds are composed of small yellowish flowers with purple dots.
Original varieties for landscape design: "Bunge" with pink buds and scarlet specks, and "Fargezi" with brown dots between the petals.
Exquisite catalpa tree: planting and care at home
And in the Russian open spaces there is a catalpa tree, planting and caring for which, although difficult, is quite possible. It may seem that such a thermophilic culture will not take root in mid-latitudes. However, catalpa miraculously endures harsh winters and pleases owners with its beauty and aroma. To grow an exotic tree on the site, you should adhere to the rules that were established by agronomists.
Appropriate place
Since the catalpa is a tree with large leaves and long pods, it will need a spacious area to thrive. There should be an abundance of sunlight, just like in the natural habitat. Drafts are contraindicated for a heat-loving plant. In the warm season, the winds will tear wide leaf plates. In winter, the spreading crown and root system will suffer. An ideal place for culture is an open lawn on the territory of a country house.
Soil type
The successful planting and care of a catalpa tree directly depends on the composition and type of soil. Like all plants, it prefers fertile soil with neutral acidity. In addition, it must be loose. It is good to pass moisture and oxygen.
If the soil is poor, it is advisable to apply fertilizers:
- peat;
- manure;
- compost;
- wood ash.
Components are added in the fall or spring during the cultivation of the land. Catalpa prefers slightly moistened soil, but does not tolerate high groundwater levels.
Planting a young seedling
All kinds of nurseries offer greenery fans ready-made trees that can be immediately planted on the site. Quite a suitable option for busy people. The procedure is carried out in early spring before the sap starts to move or after the orchid tree has shed its foliage.
On an open site, they choose a place for catalpa, taking into account neighboring cultures. They should be at a distance of 5 m.Then they dig a hole 1 m deep and 70 cm wide.
Fertile soil is prepared from the following components:
- humus (3 parts);
- sand (2);
- sheet soil (2);
- peat (1);
- wood ash (5 kg);
- phosphate rock (50 g).
The acidity should not exceed the pH level of 7.5. The bottom of the funnel is covered with drainage from broken brick or crushed stone. Pour the prepared soil mixture on top, leaving room for the root system of the catalpa. A seedling is placed in the center. Fill in the rest of the earth. Seal with feet. Sprinkle abundantly with water.Mulch the near-stem area.
The root collar should be just above ground level.
Reproduction methods of the pasta tree
The oriental beauty pleases the eye all season. In spring, huge lush foliage attracts the eyes of passers-by. In summer, it is replete with bright inflorescences. In autumn it remains green until the first frost. And in winter, its pods resemble shocking earrings. Many people are happy to grow an amazing catalpa tree on the site. Plant propagation involves two proven methods: generative and vegetative. Each of them is quite effective. However, the choice depends on the availability of planting material.
In late summer, the resulting pods turn brown, indicating full ripening. Inside there are miniature seeds that remain viable for 3 years. This is the planting material. Let's consider in detail how to grow catalpa from seeds for your garden.
The process begins in late February early March:
- boxes are filled with substrate;
- level the top layer;
- make holes;
- spread the seeds;
- sprinkle with soil on top.
The artificial bed is covered with glass or polyethylene. They are taken to a room with a temperature of 22 ° C and a lot of light. Seedlings are regularly moistened with a spray bottle.
Before lowering the seeds into the soil, they are soaked in warm water for 12 hours.
When the seedlings get stronger, they are planted on the site. The main thing is that the ambient temperature does not portend a sharp drop. Depending on the climate, they are guided by the end of May.
For the propagation of catalpa by cuttings, adult branches are required, where 2-4 buds are present. The material is chosen in July-August. The length of the cutting is about 8 cm. Shoots are planted in containers filled with soil of peat and sand. Cover with a jar or plastic bottle on top. The result is a greenhouse effect. The culture is planted in a permanent place at the end of May.
Care rules: watering, feeding, pruning
Catalpa loves moderate moisture. Therefore, it is watered once a week. An adult plant needs 20 liters of water. On dry days, the frequency of watering is increased as needed. In case of prolonged precipitation, they act according to the situation. The main thing is that the foliage of the catalpa does not lose its decorative effect.
Fertilizing the soil is an important part of catalpa care. The solution is prepared from humus and water (1 in 10). In parallel, phosphorus and potassium substances are introduced. And in the spring - nitroammofosku.
Pruning is done in early spring, before the buds begin to swell. Remove dry, injured and frostbitten branches. The crown is formed, taking into account the growth and type of culture.
We got acquainted in detail with the amazing catalpa tree. Getting in and out was pretty straightforward. And on reproduction, you have to work a little. But an exotic tree of happiness with lush bouquets of flowers will appear on the site.