Content
- Trumpet tree becomes hardy with age
- Protect the young trumpet tree from the cold
- It is best to overwinter cuttings frost-free
- Protect the trumpet tree from moisture in winter
- Tips
From ages 4 to 5, trumpet trees are hardy
Trumpet tree becomes hardy with age
The Ordinary Trumpet Tree (Catalpa bignonioides) - not to be confused with the similar-sounding, but not winter-hardy Angel Trumpet (Brugmansia) - originally comes from the climatically milder climes in the south and east of North America. However, the deciduous tree, which grows up to 15 meters tall, has been cultivated in Europe for several centuries and has been able to adapt to the local conditions quite well. This is especially true for older specimens, younger need a good winter protection.
Protect the young trumpet tree from the cold
Only from the age of about four to five years, a trumpet tree is considered hardy and requires either no or only a little winter protection. Younger specimens, on the other hand, are initially much more sensitive and require careful hardening. A careful winter protection is advisable for young trumpet trees, this can for example consist of a wrapping of trunk and crown with gardening fleece or foil, bamboo mats or jute. The root area is best covered with fir or spruce. Some gardeners recommend - especially in wintry milder regions - instead, a whitewashing of the trunk to prevent tearing of the bark, caused by moisture, intense sunlight and frost.
It is best to overwinter cuttings frost-free
Also, cuttings up to the age of about two to three years are rarely so winter hardy that they could overwinter outdoors. At best, such a young trumpet tree initially remains in a planter and spends the cold season under frost-free but cool conditions. However, the tree should not hibernate in the warm living room, because as a summer green plant it requires a vegetation break, also takes place under such conditions no getting used to the seasons and thus hardening.
Protect the trumpet tree from moisture in winter
Like so many plants, the sturdy trumpet tree is quite sensitive to moisture and often develops fungal diseases under wet conditions. In order to prevent such an infection, you must avoid too much wetness even in winter. For this reason, especially the root area should be well protected, also the whitening of the trunk protects against the ingress of moisture.
Tips
A good, carefully selected site, however, is the best guarantee to survive a cold winter. The trumpet tree prefers a sunny and sheltered place with nutrient-rich, well-drained and slightly sandy soil.