Speckled Catalpa, Powdered Catalpa 'Pulverulenta'

Without a doubt, the most unique Catalpa cultivar. It is a small tree or large shrub. Some sites incorrectly list it's habit as that of t...Read Morehe species. You aren't likely to ever walk under this trees without some serious training. It makes a very round, sometimes more plump than tall, accent. It is a wow plant, unmissable in the garden. The speckled leaves are gorgeous and brighten the landscape. What's more, as a bonus, the stunted size of the plant means that the lovely white flowers, streaked with purple, are at eye level, allowing you to enjoy them much more than those towering overhead on the straight species. This American native seems to be better know in Europe than the US. That's a shame, as it is extremely adaptable and tolerant of drought and extreme Winters. I assume it may prefer light shade in hot arid regions, but I can't say with any certainty. If you want a plant that looks like it belongs in a Botanical garden but without the fuss, this ones for you. The only drawback is that it does need a bit more elbow room. It could be a taller shade tree if grafted on taller rootstock, but I've never seen that. That might be a fun project. It is much slower growing than the species. I assume that it's slower growth and height is due to it's decreased chlorophyll, like the species, it sports long bean lie seed pods. The Catalpa worm will in some years extirpate all the leaves, but they don't harm the plant and the tree quickly regrow sits foliage.