An attractive deciduous shrub to small tree, Chitalpa tashkentensis is valued for its long flowering period and showy pink, trumpet-shaped blooms through summer.
It can be grown as a multi-stemmed shrub or trained into a small tree, making it a versatile choice for home gardens.
A hybrid between Chilopsis linearis and Catalpa bignonioides, this tree combines drought tolerance with ornamental appeal. Yellow autumn foliage adds seasonal interest, while its sterile nature means no invasive seed issues.
Why Grow Chitalpa
- Long flowering period through warm months.
- Drought tolerant once established.
- Suitable for small to medium gardens.
- Non-invasive (sterile hybrid).
- Handles heat and dry conditions well.
Climate Zones
Australia
- Ideal: Temperate and semi-arid regions (VIC, NSW, SA, inland WA).
- Performs well in inland heat and dry climates.
- Avoid: Tropical and high humidity regions.
North America
- Suitable for USDA Zones 6–10.
- Thrives in hot, dry summers and tolerates cold winters.
UK
- Best in warmer, sheltered gardens.
- May struggle in cool, wet summers or heavy soils.
Europe
- Well suited to Mediterranean and temperate regions.
- Performs best in areas with warm summers and low humidity.
How To grow Chitalpa x tashkentensisis
This is an excellent tree for dry conditions, a little care and water until established and then this is a drought tolerant low maintenance tree. Grows well in both inland and coastal areas although not in tropical climates.
The large flowers are held upright and are attractive over a long period, the plant being a hybrid is sterile, so no weed problems with this tree.
Soil Preparation and Planting
Chitalpa is adaptable but performs best in well-prepared soil.
Soil Preparation
- Prefers well-drained soil; avoid heavy clay unless improved.
- Incorporate compost to improve structure and drainage.
- Tolerates slightly alkaline soils.
Planting Time
- Best planted in early spring or autumn.
- Avoid extreme heat or frost during establishment.
Planting Steps
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
- Improve backfill soil with compost if needed.
- Plant at the same depth as in the container.
- Water in well and mulch lightly around the base.
Growing Conditions
- Position: Full sun for best flowering.
- Water: Regular watering during establishment; low water needs once mature.
- Fertiliser: Minimal feeding required; apply a balanced fertiliser in spring if needed.
- Wind: Tolerates dry winds once established.
Care and Maintenance
Chitalpa is a low-maintenance tree once established.
- Water deeply during the first summer.
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Little ongoing care required in suitable climates.
Pruning Chitalpa
- Prune in late winter or early spring.
- Remove dead or crossing branches.
- Tip prune young plants to encourage branching.
- Can be shaped as a small tree or large shrub.
Size and Growth Habit
- Height: Up to 10–12m in ideal conditions, often smaller in home gardens.
- Width: 4–6m depending on pruning.
- Growth rate: Moderate to fast in warm climates.
Popular Cultivars
- ‘Morning Cloud’ – pale flowers with yellow throat.
- ‘Pink Dawn’ – deeper pink blooms with strong summer display.
An attractive deciduous shrub to small tree, Chitalpa x tashkentensisis is long flowering and produces pink trumpet like flowers in summer. It is reasonably drought tolerant once established and can be pruned to keep in shape or left to grow into a small tree.Available for sale from the following nurseries
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