‘Pink Dawn’ Chitalpa

OVERVIEW:

Chitalpa tashkentensis ‘Pink Dawn’ is a hybrid flowering tree in the Bignoniaceae family crossbred from desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) for its hardiness, shape and flower color, and the southern catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides) for its larger leaves and blooms. The name Chitalpa is a combination of the two-parent names: Chilopsis and Catalpa. Chitalpa trees are deciduous, drought-tolerant and thrive in zones 6 through 9. Their native habitat is the desert lands of Texas, California, and Mexico. For best results, start growing chitalpa in a full sun location in soil with excellent drainage. In the proper conditions Chitalpas can live 150 years and can grow into 30-foot-tall trees. Although chitalpas are drought-tolerant, they grow best with occasional water and start flowering in late spring and flowers until late fall. 

CLASSIFICATION:

Scientific Name: x Chitalpa tashkentensis

Common Name: Chitalpa

Family: Bignoniaceae

Suggested Uses: parking lot tree, specimen, xeric garden

CHARACTERISTICS:

Height: 20-25ft

Foliage: alternate, simple, somewhat linear; 3-5 inches long and up to 1 inch wide

Flower: white or pink

Bloom Period: late Spring - Fall

Fruit: sterile

Bark: gray and smooth when young, becoming slightly ridged, furrowed, and shaggy with age

ENVIRONMENT:

Sun: full sun to part shade

Water: drought-tolerant

Soil: can withstand poor soil conditions

USDA Zone: 6 - 9