PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; blooms best in full sun, tolerates light shade
Watering
Water deeply when top 5–10 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; tolerates hot, humid summer conditions
Characteristics
- Leaf: Large heart-shaped bright green leaves (15–30 cm long) with soft pubescence on undersides
- Flower: Showy white tubular blooms with yellow and purple inner markings, arranged in upright panicles
- Fruit: Long slender bean-like pods (20–40 cm) persisting through winter
- Stem/Bark: Light brown furrowed bark on mature trees; smooth green young stems
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply every 7–10 days during dry spells; avoid overwatering
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the base in early spring; work lightly into topsoil to avoid runoffPruning
- Remove dead or damaged branches in late winter before new growth emerges
- Thin crowded branches to improve airflow and light penetration
- Trim suckers at the base to maintain a single trunk form
- Avoid heavy pruning as it can reduce flowering in the following season
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic; safe for cats
Humans: No known toxic effects for humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes resilience and stately beauty in Southern US landscapes
Usage: Ornamental tree for parks and large gardens; pods used in decorative crafts
