Zone 2b catalpa showdown

10 years ago

I planted a few northern catalpa (C. Speciosa) seeds (from a US source) three years ago, and two sprouted. One has survived the succeeding winters, and grows about .5 m high before it's killed off. Conclusion: root hardy. It's fun to have, but I'm sad that I'll never see its beautiful flowers.

I also found a Chinese catalpa (C. Ovata) tree three years ago, and planted it in my front yard. It has, amazingly, flowered every year. Conclusion: hardy to zone 2b (or 3a, if Peace River is in a warm microclimate).

Anyone else growing these?

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Comment (1)

glen3a
9 years ago
Hello. I grew both catalpa speciosa and ovata at my previous house. Ovata is hardier. In about four years it was already a tall single trunk tree and it started blooming third year from seed. Very little winter damage. Catalpa speciosa suffered more winter damage but hung in there. From what I read they often become a more multiple stemmed shrub in our climate (interesting crooked branches due to winter kill) but still can reach 8 feet or more. Easy to grow from seed. There are catalpa speciosa growing at the MB legislatures grounds. Saw catalpa in Island Park in Portage la Prairie, MB. Does anyone know if it's catalpa speciosa or ovata? It had blooms and seed pods.
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