The Dwarf Catalpa (or Umbrella Tree) is actually a grafted version of the common Catalpa tree. With its lush, overlapping, heart-shaped leaves, it’s a total showstopper in any backyard. Because it looks so great, I know how hard it is to wait for those first buds to pop in the spring!
The Dwarf Catalpa likes to hit the snooze button
In some circles, the Dwarf Catalpa is jokingly called the “Civil Servant Tree.” Why the funny nickname? Well, it’s famous for being a bit “lazy”—it’s one of the last trees to wake up in the spring and one of the first to drop its leaves in the fall. It basically works the shortest “shift” of any tree in the garden!
Expect green in May
By the time most of your other trees have lost that bright “new-growth” look and settled into a deep summer green, the Dwarf Catalpa finally decides to join the party. This usually happens in May. If we’re having a particularly dry spring, it might take even longer to leaf out. To help it along, make sure you’re watering regularly during dry spells. Nutrition is also key! When you’re planting your Dwarf Catalpa, mix in some mature compost and keep up with organic feeding throughout the summer.
Harsh winters mean a later start
The winter weather also plays a big role in when your tree decides to wake up. If we’ve had a particularly brutal winter with deep freezes, the tree might stay bare even longer than usual. If you suspect some frost damage, it’s a good idea to give your tree a good pruning. Be bold—cut back any branches that were nipped by the frost to help the tree focus its energy on growing a fresh, healthy canopy.
When it comes to your Dwarf Catalpa waking up, just remember:
- Don’t expect leaves until May.
- A dry spring can cause even more delays.
- Harsh winters slow things down (so don’t be afraid to prune!).
