Purple Catalpa has large, heart-shaped leaves that emerge purple in the spring, maturing to dark green. In the late spring and early summer months, large clusters of fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers, white with purple freckles. Long, slender pods follow flowers. Grows 30 to 40 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide.
Hardy to USDA Zone 5, so may not be a dependable choice for the upper bench areas. As with other Catalpas, it is tolerant of of different soil conditions but prefers deep, fertile soil; withstands wet or dry soils and alkaline conditions. Full to part sun. Does best if planted where it is sheltered from strong winds.