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X Chitalpa tashkentensis

Image of X Chitalpa tashkentensis

James H. Schutte

Family

Bignoniaceae

Botanical Name

X Chitalpa tashkentensis

Plant Common Name

Chitalpa

General Description

An unlikely hybrid between a tree native to the Southeast United States (Catalpa bignonioides) and a shrub native to the deserts of western North America (Chilopsis linearis), this remarkably tough small tree is grown for its showy summer-long display of large, frilly, trumpet-shaped, pink or white flowers with yellow, purple-striped centers. They are sterile and do not produce fruit. The narrowly lance-shaped leaves are downy and pale green. Several selections of chitalpa are available.

Chitalpa likes sun and well drained soil and does not tolerate overwatering. Its bark is subject to sunscald, so avoid planting it in hot west-facing sites. Otherwise, it is a colorful and attractive small tree for hot, dry conditions. It drops its flowers after they wither, so may not be suitable for some streets, patios, and walkways.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 5

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tree

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    15'-30' / 4.6m - 9.1m

  • Width

    15'-30' / 4.6m - 9.1m

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Purple, Pink, Light Pink, Lavender

  • Flower Color Modifier

    Multi-Color

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Bark Color

    Brown, Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Hummingbirds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    No