Catalpa bungei is a deciduous ornamental plant, native to China, belonging to the Bignoniaceae family. It is a small tree cultivated for its highly decorative appearance, characterized by a globular and compact crown, usually achieved through grafting onto a straight, tall trunk, often from Catalpa bignonioides.

The crown develops into a perfectly round dome, very dense and orderly, capable of creating pleasant shade even in small spaces. The leaves are very large, heart-shaped, bright green in color, smooth, and slightly hairy to the touch, covering the entire crown during the growing season. In autumn, they turn a rich yellow, offering additional seasonal interest before falling.

Catalpa bungei blooms from late spring to early summer, producing upright panicles of bell-shaped flowers that are white with yellow and purple streaks. These fragrant flowers are highly attractive to bees and pollinators. After flowering, the tree produces long, capsule-like fruits, resembling slender hanging pods, which mature in late summer and often remain on the plant throughout the winter.

This species is resilient and versatile: it adapts well to various soil types, as long as they are well-drained, and tolerates both cold climates and hot summers. It prefers full sun or partial shade and has moderate water requirements. It doesn’t require frequent care; it is a low-maintenance plant, but it can be pruned at the end of winter to maintain the symmetry of the crown or control its size.

Catalpa bungei is highly valued in ornamental landscaping projects for its architectural shape and its ability to provide shade in a contained manner.

It is ideal as a specimen tree in small gardens, but also works well in regular rows or public spaces.

→ Discover Morus platanifolia ‘Fruitless’, a plant with a wide canopy, ideal for creating shaded areas