Establishing an Indian Bean Tree

ashley+gw

I have grown an Indian Bean Tree (Catalpa bignonioides) from seed given to me 10 years ago, now in a big 14" pot standing in a tray of water. It has this year for the first time flowered, and repaid the wait with its glorious show.  Now I know this can grow to a biggish tree, and I have the space, so my question is; How should I plan to get this to its final position in the garden? My ground is ex pasture land, quite fertile from what I can see over the last 7 years, medium loam down to 24" then breaking to a clay pan. I did originally have 3 seedlings, this is the last, so I want to give it the very best chance to mature to all its glory.

And suggestions gratefully received. 

Paul B3

Firstly , well done for raising one from seed !

Secondly , Catalpa's tend to broaden out rather than attain giddy heights of glory .

Planted in a sunny situation with ample room for expansion , possibly with shelter from drying winds , I cannot foresee major problems .

Good luck !

(PS Keep well watered for the first few-months ).

Rubytoo

I don't have anything to add, sorry , but so excited for you having managed and raised it for ten years.
They are wonderful trees I saw a very ancient propped up on in Bishops Palace gardens Chichester last year covered in .... Beans. The long pods were amazing wish I could have seen it in flower.
Good Luck with yours.

I had a search but cannot find what kind of soil they have there, it may be a clay base or chalk.
I wish I had room to grow one I would love to have a go.
Do please post a photo of yours if you can.

The gardens there are behind a tall wall and bank so very sheltered.


 

Paul B3

Just had a look at Soilscapes information for Chichester ; their verdict seems to be naturally loamy with high natural groundwater .

Sounds pretty similar to ashley+gw's conditions .

http://www.landis.org.uk/soilscapes/#

ashley+gw

@Rubytoo @Paul B3  Thanks for your responses folks.  I seem to remember visiting a garden somewhere in Oxfordshire that had one growing to about 25 foot. It was in a walled garden too.  I also think there might be one at Harlow Carr RHS garden but can't remember; it was in a more open aspect. 

Thanks for the tip re soilscapes. Not seen that one before.  I think that given my soil I might be safe to plant with perhaps a little grit around the root ball but will have to find some shelter for it.

Here's a close up of the flower:



And it smells good too. Currently on my small patio and the fragrance goes beautifully with the Jasmin we have there as well.

Thanks again.

Rubytoo

That is beautiful @ashley+gw thanks for taking the time to post the picture.
And good luck with the planting.

hogweed

I have one in my garden which I have grown from a 12 inch stick. It is now about 20 foot high after 15(?) years but has never flowered. Mind you I do live in Scotland and they much prefer warmer climes! Leaves only get to hand size as well not the dinner plate size as it should.