Catalpa bignonioides in the Sonoran Desert!

[ahosey01]

Planted a Southern Catalpa recently. I built up a dirt mound about 10” above grade and mounded the edges so I can flood irrigate it when it gets larger.  It’s planted in a section of the yard which is probably 6-7 ft above the Hassayampa water table, and only gets direct sun from 9AM to 1PM in the summer.  It will get more in the winter as the sun drifts south. Keeping it under shade cloth until we get down to sub-100 highs.  Here in a Wickenburg, were usually 5-7degrees cooler than Phoenix for summer highs, and 10-15 cooler for winter lows.  These things are native to southern Mississippi and southern Alabama. Hoping the heat won’t prove a problem over time.

If anyone knows anyone growing these in the hot and dry, please tell me the story or post pics if you can!!

Edited August 20, 2020 by ahosey01

[Meangreen94z]

Nice, I don’t think I’ve seen that one used in the Houston area. I’m sure they are around, we have a very similar climate to Louisiana/Alabama 

[necturus]

There's a few in our neighborhood. Have you seen them growing in your part of Arizona? I'm always surprised how southern trees can adapt to desert conditions, but I guess if you can water enough, why not?