What soil does Dwarf southern catalpa grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous.

Is Dwarf southern catalpa hardy?

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

How far from the house should Dwarf southern catalpa be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

How much water does Dwarf southern catalpa need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Dwarf southern catalpa

Catalpa bignonioides 'Nana'

Dwarf southern catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides 'Nana') is a small tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €220.

Illustration of Dwarf southern catalpa — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A catalpa grafted on a tall stem, with a dense, flattened ball crown and large, heart-shaped, fresh green leaves that give a garden a lush, southern feel. It does not flower or fruit, so there is none of the pod litter catalpas are known for. It leafs out late and drops its leaves early, wants a spot sheltered from wind because of the big leaves, and is best cut back hard in spring every few years to keep the crown tight.

Watch out for

Verticillium wilt is the most serious disease of catalpas and can kill whole branches. The wood is weak, the young bark is thin and easily damaged, and wind and hail tear the large leaves. In Central Europe young shoots can die back in hard winters, and powdery mildew may appear on the foliage in late summer.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 3.5 m × 3 m
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Deciduous

Group	Small tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	3.5 m × 3 m
Ultimate size	3–6 m × 3–7 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	no data
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	400 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €220

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €220

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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