Catalpa bignonioides 'Nana' – A Compact Tree with Broad, Heart-Shaped Foliage and Stunning Summer Blooms
Catalpa bignonioides 'Nana', commonly known as the Dwarf Southern Catalpa, is a small, ornamental tree valued for its broad, heart-shaped leaves, beautiful summer flowers, and unique, compact form. This charming tree brings a touch of the exotic to gardens and landscapes, offering lush foliage in summer, striking blooms in late spring, and an overall graceful presence.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
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Spring: In early spring, fresh green leaves begin to emerge, creating a soft, rounded canopy. The tree is typically slow to leaf out, which allows for a gradual, refreshing start to the growing season.
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Summer: Catalpa bignonioides 'Nana' reaches its full splendour in summer, with large, broad, heart-shaped leaves providing abundant shade. Its striking white to pale lavender flowers, with purple markings, bloom in clusters, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
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Autumn: As the season changes, the leaves turn a soft yellow before falling, offering a gentle but colourful end to the growing season.
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Winter: In winter, the tree’s bare branches reveal a unique structure, with its smooth, grey bark offering subtle texture and interest during the colder months.
Structure & Form
Catalpa bignonioides 'Nana' is deal for small gardens as it is slow growing and grafted at 2m to keep it under controlwith a wide, rounded canopy. Its small size and dense foliage make it an ideal tree for smaller gardens, courtyards, and patios where space is limited but the desire for a striking feature tree remains.
Ideal for Various Landscapes
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Small Gardens & Courtyards: Its compact form makes it perfect for small gardens, courtyards, or as a specimen tree in urban spaces where space is a premium.
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Pollinator & Wildlife Gardens: The fragrant flowers and foliage provide an attractive environment for bees, butterflies, and birds, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.
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Feature Tree for Landscaping: Its unique appearance and dramatic summer flowers make it a standout feature in mixed planting schemes or as a solitary specimen tree in the garden.
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Formal & Informal Gardens: Whether in formal, structured garden designs or more naturalistic planting schemes, this tree adds a touch of elegance with its rounded canopy and beautiful blooms.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. It will perform best in sunny spots but can tolerate light shade, especially in warmer climates.
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Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It is also tolerant of urban pollution.
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Hardiness: Fully hardy and adaptable to a range of climates, this tree is perfect for areas with cold winters and hot summers.
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Maintenance: Low-maintenance; prune lightly to maintain shape or remove dead or damaged wood. Catalpa bignonioides 'Nana' naturally maintains a compact form without the need for regular trimming.
Why Choose Catalpa bignonioides 'Nana'?
Catalpa bignonioides 'Nana' is a charming, compact tree that provides stunning beauty with minimal effort. Its large, heart-shaped leaves, fragrant flowers, and elegant form make it perfect for smaller gardens, patios, and urban spaces, adding a distinctive touch of grace and seasonal interest throughout the year.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Other Ornamental Trees – Pair with Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple) or Malus (Crabapple) for complementary foliage and blossom contrast.
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Flowering Shrubs – Combine with Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea) or Rhododendron for multi-season beauty and structure.
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Perennials & Grasses – Underplant with Echinacea, Lavender, or Carex for added texture and movement beneath the canopy.
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Spring Bulbs – Complement with Crocus, Tulips, or Narcissus for a burst of colour in early spring before the tree's foliage fully emerges.
Catalpa bignonioides 'Nana' is the perfect small tree for anyone looking to add a distinctive feature to a garden or landscape. With its elegant form, lovely blooms, and low-maintenance care, it offers beauty, shade, and wildlife benefits, making it an ideal choice for smaller spaces or intimate garden settings.
