{"product_id":"catalpa-erubescens-purpurea","title":"Catalpa erubescens 'Purpurea'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eCatalpa erubescens 'Purpurea'\u003c\/strong\u003e is the dark-leaved counterpart to the golden Indian bean tree, a vigorous hybrid Catalpa with enormous heart-shaped leaves up to 25cm across. New foliage in spring emerges a rich deep purple-bronze, holds its dark tone into early summer, and gradually ages to a sumptuous bronze-green. White panicles of orchid-like flowers spotted with yellow and purple appear in midsummer on mature specimens, followed by long bean-like pods in autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is one of the most architectural hardy foliage plants for an exotic UK garden. The combination of huge tropical-feel leaves and a dark, brooding palette anchors any planting scheme. Like its golden sibling 'Aurea', it can be grown as a free-form tree to 6-10m or coppiced annually to a 2-3m multi-stemmed shrub with even larger, even darker leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun to partial shade; sheltered from strong winds that tear the large leaves.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e fertile, moist but well-drained; tolerant of most types including chalk and clay.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e as a tree, 6-10 m tall, 5-8 m wide; coppiced, kept to 2-3 m.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e RHS H6, fully hardy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Purpurea' is brilliant as a hero specimen at the back of an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic mixed border\u003c\/a\u003e, in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003eHardy Exotic garden\u003c\/a\u003e, or as the structural centrepiece of a courtyard. The dark foliage pairs beautifully with golden grasses, Pennisetum 'Fireworks', or Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' for a dramatic gold-and-purple combination. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect from outdoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e guide for season-by-season notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor a coppiced shrub habit, cut the previous year's growth back to a low framework in early spring just before the buds break. The flush of new growth produces the biggest, darkest leaves on regrowth. Equally at home in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003elarge patio container\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery \u003cstrong\u003eCatalpa erubescens 'Purpurea'\u003c\/strong\u003e we send is a strong, well-rooted young specimen, hand-selected for a healthy crown and balanced shape, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"23cm \/ 5L","offer_id":57859257926015,"sku":"CATAERUBPURP23","price":52.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/catalpa.jpg?v=1783099615","url":"https:\/\/growtropicals.com\/products\/catalpa-erubescens-purpurea","provider":"GrowTropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}