Catalpa bignonioides, as the common trumpet tree is known in botanical terminology, is widespread as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks in its homeland, the southeastern United States. For several years now, the deciduous tree, which grows up to 18 meters high in good conditions, has been more common in Europe.
When is the best time to plant the trumpet tree?
The optimal planting time for the trumpet tree (Catalpa bignonioides) is late spring after the Ice Saints or early autumn. These times allow for stress-free acclimatization and sufficient rooting before winter.
Plant trumpet tree after the ice saints
The trumpet tree is usually delivered as a container product that is already well rooted and can generally be planted throughout the entire growing season. However, since young, freshly planted trees in particular require a lot of water and are also quite sensitive to heat and the associated drought, the recommended planting time is either late spring (i.e. when frosty nights are no longer expected) or early autumn. Both times give the young trumpet tree enough time to take root in the new location until the next winter, without being exposed to a particularly stressful situation due to extreme heat.
Don’t forget to water regularly
Especially if you plant the trumpet tree in spring, you should water it regularly and vigorously - especially in hot and dry periods.
Tip
Dip the root ball (€19.00 on Amazon) in a bucket of water before planting and let the roots soak up the moist water.
