The trumpet tree (Catalpa bignonioides) - not to be confused with the angel's trumpet (Brugmansia) - is a medium-sized tree that is cultivated primarily for its white flowers and large, heart-shaped leaves. If the latter turn yellow, this is usually due to incorrect care.
Why does my trumpet tree have yellow leaves?
Yellow leaves on the trumpet tree can be caused by incorrect care, such as insufficient watering or fertilizing, waterlogging or a location that is too shady. In the rare case of a fungal disease, verticillium wilt, affected parts of the plant must be cut back.
Trumpet tree reacts sensitively to incorrect care
Catalpa reacts very sensitively to care errors or inadequate culture conditions. Yellow leaves are not uncommon if the tree is watered and/or fertilized too rarely. Waterlogging or a location that is too shady can also cause problems for the trumpet tree.
Fungal diseases are rare, but possible
Unfortunately, Catalpa bignonioides is also very sensitive to verticillium wilt, which occurs especially in very warm, humid weather (for example in very rainy summers) and in waterlogging. This fungal disease cannot be treated with fungicides, but only symptomatically. To do this, the affected plant parts must be cut back to the he althy wood and carefully removed.
Tip
Verticillium wilt occurs when the tree gradually withers or dies within a few days or weeks. The yellow leaves first appear on one branch and only later in other places.
