Tree · Bignoniaceae family
southern catalpa
Catalpa bignonioides
In short a 10-second read
Southern catalpa (tree) grows to 9–15 m tall and 8–15 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. It flowers in June–July; the flowers are white. Hardy to −23 °C.
× spread 8–15 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −23 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: clay, loamy, sandy
Soil pH 5.5–8.5
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 20–50 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
June–July · white
Pruning
No pruning needed — just remove dead or damaged parts (February–March).
Planting
container plant: October–April; bare-root: October–March; root-balled: October–March
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −23 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −23 °C
- Deciduous — bare in winter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does southern catalpa flower?
In June–July; the flowers are white.
Does southern catalpa tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does southern catalpa need?
At maturity 8–15 m wide and 9–15 m tall; recommended spacing 900 cm.
Does southern catalpa survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −23 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (16)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Catalpa bignonioides
- Oregon State University Landscape Plants — Catalpa bignonioides
- Van den Berk Nurseries (NL), stromová škôlka — Catalpa bignonioides
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Catalpa bignonioides
- RHS - Catalpa bignonioides
- Missouri Botanical Garden - Catalpa bignonioides
- RHS - Mulches and mulching
- RHS - Shrubs and trees: light pruning
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Denmark
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