Plant Type

Tree

 

Height Range

25-40'

 

Flower Color

Pink, White

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Green

 

Fruit Color

Brown

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Fast

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Tropical

 

Accenting Features

Multi-trunk Tree, Showy Flowers, Specimen

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer

 

Location Uses

Background, Entry, Shrub Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Patio, Walls / Fences, Walkways

 

Special Uses

Screen, Shade Tree, Fire Resistant, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds, Butterflies

Chitalpa is a cross between Chilopsis and Catalpa, and the result is this deciduous, multi-stemmed, small tree with azalea-like flowers that tolerates heat like Chilopsis and the cold like Catalpa. Leaves are long and willow-like; flowers appear in summer. Its deep tap root means it won't disturb patios and walks, and its Catalpa-heritage means that it is easier to maintain as a tree, so it serves those situations well. Attracts hummingbirds. Larger than Chilopsis, it grows fast to about 25 to 30 feet tall and wide.

Grows in ful sun and well drained soils; any soil type, even sandy, gravelly, or loamy-clay, as long as it is well drained. Blooms on new wood, so pruning in the late winter will not decrease flower buds. Hardy to -15F. Less xeric than Chilopsis, but still well suited to a low water garden.