Pot a young catalpa — or golden catalpa — in a large drained container, then plant it in the ground before it becomes a 40-foot canopy.
A large drained pot, and a young or golden catalpa
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Pot | About 20 inches (50 cm) wide and deep, with drainage holes | A 10-inch nursery cup as a forever home |
| Plant | A young tree, or golden catalpa as the smaller SKU we list | A mature northern catalpa in a tub |
| Mix | Potting mix cut with coarse sand so water leaves the pot | Packed garden clay |
| End | Plant out in spring or fall | A dwarf ‘Nana’ patio tree we do not list |
European pot essays start at about 50 cm and often sell dwarf Nana as a balcony tree. [1] We do not list Nana. Golden catalpa (‘Aurea’) is the smaller foliage form we actually hold, and even that tree wants the ground. Nursery containers are a start, then plant in cool spring or fall. [2]
Can I grow catalpa in a pot?
Yes as a young tree in a large drained pot. Plan to plant it out. Northern catalpa is not a forever patio plant.
How to pot a catalpa
This genus is a large-scale landscape tree. [3]
- Choose a pot with real drainage holes, about 20 inches across.
- Set the root flare just at the mix surface. Fill with potting mix cut with coarse sand. Water until it runs out the holes.
- Stake a whip if the pot rocks. Set the pot in full sun, out of the wind tunnel that shreds large leaves.
- Empty the saucer after watering so the mix does not sit wet.
Water, winter, and when to plant out
Water when the surface of the mix is dry. Pots dry faster than a bed. Northern catalpa (C. speciosa) is a 40-to-60-foot tree — the pot is a hold. [4] Move it to the ground in spring or fall, flare at grade. See Planting Catalpa.
If the pot dries every day in July, plant the tree this fall — do not step up forever.
FAQ
Can I keep a northern catalpa in a pot forever?
No. A large pot holds a young tree for a season or two. Northern catalpa belongs in the ground.
What mix do I use?
A potting mix with coarse sand so water leaves the pot. Garden clay stays wet and rots roots.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] Promesse de Fleurs -
https://www.promessedefleurs.ie/gardening-tips/advicesheet/planting-and-growing-a-catalpa-in-a-pot/ - [2] HGTV -
https://www.hgtv.com/gardening/trees-and-shrubs/how-to-plant-and-grow-a-catalpa-tree - [3] University of Florida IFAS -
https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST130 - [4] NC State Extension -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/catalpa-speciosa/
This note is part of Catalpa Guides.
More container notes by plant live in Container Growing Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors