Tree
Southern Catalpa
Catalpa bignonioides
Varieties We Carry
StandardCatalpa bignonioides
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$24.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 9.
LightFull Sun
WaterModerate
Mature size30-40 feet × 40-50 feet
About Southern Catalpa
Southern Catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides) is a bold deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States, recognized by its enormous heart-shaped leaves, showy white flower clusters with purple and yellow markings, and long slender bean-like seed pods. It forms a wide, irregular canopy and has long been planted as a shade and ornamental tree. Starting at $24.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Acidic, Alkaline, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
J
F
M
A
M
JNow
J
A
S
O
N
D
This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Light
Plant in full sun for best flowering and canopy development. Catalpa tolerates partial shade but blooms most heavily with at least 6 hours of direct sun.
Water
Water regularly during establishment; once established, Southern Catalpa tolerates heat and short droughts well, though foliage may scorch and drop in extended dry spells in NE Florida summers. Moderate supplemental irrigation during droughts is beneficial.
Soil & Fertilizer
Adaptable to a wide range of soils — sandy, loam, clay, acidic to slightly alkaline — provided drainage is adequate. Amend NE Florida sandy soils with compost at planting. Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer; avoid over-fertilizing, which promotes lush but weak growth.
Similar needs
Buttonwood
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $14.95Same conditions
Fiddlewood
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $24.95Same conditions
Golden Rain Tree
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $74.95Same conditions
Redbud
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $49.95Same conditions
Sea Grape
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $7.95Same conditions
Sea Hibiscus
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $34.95Same conditions
You may also like
Common questions
Is Southern Catalpa a good plant for St. Augustine?
Southern Catalpa is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 30-40 feet × 40-50 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.