Indian bean tree and Tulip tree are often considered for the same spot in the garden (shade, specimen, flowers, pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Catalpa bignonioides 6 m × 5 m after 10 years
A fast-growing tree with a wide, open crown, huge heart-shaped leaves, fragrant white flowers in upright panicles in early summer and long, cigar-like…
Liriodendron tulipifera 8 m × 6 m after 10 years
A fast-growing, straight-trunked large park tree with distinctive four-lobed leaves that look cut off at the tip and turn golden yellow in autumn. Its…
Indian bean tree tolerates drought better than Tulip tree.
Tulip tree is cheaper: about €28 at the size usually planted, against about €46 for Indian bean tree.
|
Feature
|
Indian bean tree
|
Tulip tree
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Large tree | Large tree |
| Size after 10 years | 6 m × 5 m | 8 m × 6 m |
| Ultimate size | 9–18 m × 6–15 m | 18–30 m × 9–15 m |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | June–July, white | May–July, yellow, green, orange |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Low |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 800 cm | 1000 cm |
| For dogs | no data | Non-toxic |
| For cats | no data | Non-toxic |
| For children | no data | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €46 | approx. €28 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 8, 2026
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