Catalpa bignonioides Aurea

Catalpa bignonioides Aurea is a golden foliaged form of the superb Indian Bean Tree.

The stunning Golden Indian Bean Tree has impressive large and fleshy golden yellow foliage that turn to a yellowy lime green by the time the delicate orchid-like flowers appear in the summer time.

Like many other yellow leaved trees it does best with a South facing sunny aspects, as shade tends to dull the leaves to a more greeny colour. The foliage and flowers are replaced at the end of the summer with long seed pods which remain on the tree into the winter time.

Catalpa bignonioides Aurea was introduced in the late 1870s and won the Award of Merit in 1974.

It does best in a sheltered position as exposure to wind can damage the large, fleshy leaves and performs well on most soil.

This small tree is a superb choice as a feature in gardens, its top-worked architectural shape bringing structure and elegance to any planting scheme.

It is particularly effective when planted with deep green or red foliaged trees to give contrast.

Mature height: 3-7m