The trumpet tree (Catalpa bignonioides - not to be confused with the similar-sounding angel's trumpet!), which originally comes from North America, has been cultivated as an ornamental tree in Europe since the 18th century. The up to 18 meter high, deciduous deciduous tree is particularly noticeable because of its up to 20 centimeter long leaves. It gets its name from the large, orchid-like flowers that bathe the tree in a sea of white flowers between June and July. The trumpet tree is quite uncomplicated and is also very easy to propagate.
How to propagate a trumpet tree?
A trumpet tree can be propagated by sowing seeds from ripe fruit pods or cutting cuttings from this year's shoots. With both methods, the young plants should be raised in potting soil in a warm, bright place and the substrate should be kept evenly moist.
Propagation via seeds is (usually) easy
The large flowers develop into bean-like fruit pods up to 40 centimeters long by autumn, which is why the trumpet tree is also nicknamed the “bean tree”. These remain on the tree until the following spring and only ripen at this point. You can harvest the very fine seeds inside when the pods have turned brown. Sow the seeds in potting soil, cover them lightly and place the pot in a bright and warm place. The small grains usually germinate within a few days.
Propagate trumpet tree via cuttings
However, not all trumpet trees produce seeds. In this case, there are fruits hanging on the tree, but they are empty. By the way, you have the best chance of getting seeds after a very warm and rather humid summer! Alternatively, the trumpet tree can also be propagated using cuttings. Cut these after flowering in late summer, with this year's shoots being best suited.
- The cuttings should be about 10 to 15 centimeters long.
- Cut the shoots so that there is a sleeping eye directly above the cut point.
- Remove all but the top two leaves.
- Cut the remaining leaves in half.
- Dip the slightly diagonally cut end into a rooting substrate (€8.00 on Amazon).
- Plant the cutting in a pot with potting soil.
- Place the pot in a warm and bright place.
- Keep the substrate evenly moist (but not wet!).
Overwinter the cutting in a frost-free but cool place and, if possible, cultivate it in a pot for the first two years.
Tip
Older trumpet trees often form saplings on their own, which root in the immediate vicinity of the mother plant. You should always remove these, but you can also cut them off and use them like cuttings for propagation.
