Dwarf Southern Catalpa 'Nana'

I've been growing several of these at our place in Farmersville, OH for several years. I cut them back hard in early spring or late winte...Read Morer each year, and then shape them a bit off and on throughout the summer as desired. I enjoy their huge, lush leaves and predictably globe/mushroom shape.
I'm curious if anyone on here knows the history of this cultivar. Where they originated, when they were first used in the nursery trade, etc...
thanks,
-Reuben Huffman

i have been looking for a dwarf nana catalpa for years after seeing them at a park in my neighborhood. i live in portland oregon and they...Read More survive and thrive very well here. does anyone know where i can find one or two? all the nurseries i've contacted are having no luck at all. thanks for any help with this!

For anyone who is looking for information on this type of tree, I can hopefully give a little bit of information. The dwarf Catalpa or "u...Read Morembrella" Catalpa is probably the best choice for those who want the ability to shape and prune to the perfect umbrella. The typical Northern and Southern Catalpas grow MUCH larger than this tree. They are much more difficult to manage and are not nearly as pretty in my opinion. This tree grows well in my area (zone 5) and seems to tolerate winters just fine. I started these from seed sown in winter and they survived well. Years ago I fell in love with this type of tree and finally found what I was looking for.
The standard Northern and Southern non-dwarf catalpas are messy, dropping flowers, leaves and finally seed pods after winter. These are much easier to deal with due to size.

A beautifully shaped tree. Sadly this tree has succumbed from root rot.