Content
- Trumpet tree impresses with orchid-like flower
- Bell-shaped flowers lent their name to the trumpet tree
- Ball-trumpet tree flowers only a little
- Buds already formed in the previous year
- Tips
The flowers of the trumpet tree are a real feast for the eyes
Trumpet tree impresses with orchid-like flower
In the southeastern United States, the trumpet tree (Catalpa bignonioides) is widespread in both private gardens and public parks. The up to 18 meters high and provided with a very lush crown deciduous tree has a high ornamental value due to its large, heart-shaped leaves and the magnificent flowering, but also its wood is mainly used for furniture as well as for decorative elements.
Bell-shaped flowers lent their name to the trumpet tree
The up to 15 centimeters long, bell-shaped flowers appear in the months of June and July. They are arranged in panicles and have inside her two yellowish longitudinal stripes and purple spots. They are very similar to orchid flowers and are also eponymous for Catalpa due to their shape. Incidentally, in the English language the trumpet tree is also called 'Trumpet Tree' or, because of the characteristic shape of the fruit, also 'Indian bean tree'. The flowers exude a light scent that attracts mainly bees and bumblebees.
Ball-trumpet tree flowers only a little
In contrast to its great cousin, the dwarf-sized ball-trumpet tree blooms only very rarely and if, then only at a very advanced age. So if you do not have too much space in the garden, but would like to grow the trumpet tree mainly because of its flowers, is not too well advised with the ball-trumpet tree.
Buds already formed in the previous year
The about two to five millimeters large, round flower buds are white and slightly scaly. A peculiarity of the trumpet tree is that it already forms the buds for the next flowering in the autumn of the previous year. For this reason, especially the crown of the tree should be protected in cold winters and especially in late frosts in the spring, so that the buds do not freeze back. In addition, a pruning should be done best directly after flowering, but even before budding.
Tips
The yellow trumpet tree (Catalpa ovata), which comes from Asia, has no white, but rather yellow flowers.