Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

 

Height Range

12-25', 25-40'

 

Flower Color

Pink

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

Grey

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Fast, Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees, Messy

Design Styles

English Cottage, Mediterranean, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Multi-trunk Tree, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Entry, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Screen, Shade Tree

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

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; pale lavender-pink 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. 'Pink Dawn' has showy, pale pink flowers with conspicuous purple nectar guides.

Grows in full 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. Chitalpa is sterile and produces no messy seed pods. Additionally the flowers dry on the plant rather then fall fresh and so do not become a slick safety hazard on a walkway or patio. No tree is without faults and although it has few, it has been noted that Chitalpa will mildew in humid areas (say, if you over water), and it also has a habit of suckering near the base, making it difficult to create a high headed tree necessarily along walkways and in small patios.