Catalpa bignonioides Aurea

Catalpa bignonioides Aurea is a golden foliage form of the superb Indian Bean Tree.

The stunning Golden Indian Bean Tree has impressive large and fleshy golden yellow foliage that turns to a yellowy lime green by the time the delicate orchid-like flowers appear in the summertime.

Like many other yellow-leaved trees it does best with a South facing sunny aspect, as shade tends to dull the leaves to a more greeny colour. The foliage and flowers are replaced at the end of the summer with long seed pods that remain on the tree into the wintertime.

Catalpa bignonioides Aurea was introduced in the late 1870s and won the Award of Merit in 1974.

It does best in a sheltered position as exposure to wind can damage the large, fleshy leaves, and performs well on most soil.

This small tree is a superb choice as a feature in gardens, its top-worked architectural shape bringing structure and elegance to any planting scheme.

It is particularly effective when planted with deep green or red foliage trees to give contrast.

Mature height: 3-7m