Contents
Description
Bretschneidera Sinensis, also known as the Chinese trumpet tree, is a deciduous tree native to China. It belongs to the family of Bignoniaceae and is known for its trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in the summer. The tree can grow up to 20 meters in height and has a spread of 10 meters. The bark of the tree is gray and smooth, while the leaves are pinnate with 7-9 leaflets.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Dicotyledons |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
| Genus | Bretschneidera |
Appearance
The Chinese trumpet tree has a broad and round crown with a straight trunk. Its bark is gray and smooth, which becomes rough as the tree ages. The leaves are pinnate with 7-9 leaflets that are 8-15 cm long and 3-6 cm wide. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and are 10-12 cm long and 6-8 cm wide. They bloom in the summer and are pinkish-purple with yellow throats. The fruit of the tree is a capsule that is 25-30 cm long and 6-8 cm wide, containing numerous winged seeds.
Care Guide
Water: The Chinese trumpet tree requires regular watering during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and again in the fall.
Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.
Sunlight: The Chinese trumpet tree prefers full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Chinese trumpet tree is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by leaf spot, powdery mildew, and canker. Aphids and spider mites can also infest the tree.
Habitat
The Chinese trumpet tree is native to China and can be found in the provinces of Guizhou, Sichuan, and Yunnan. It grows in forests and on mountainsides at altitudes of 1,500-2,500 meters above sea level.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Chinese trumpet tree drought-tolerant?
A: While the tree can tolerate some drought, it prefers regular watering during the growing season.
Q: How fast does the Chinese trumpet tree grow?
A: The tree can grow up to 1-2 meters per year.
Q: Can the Chinese trumpet tree be pruned?
A: Yes, the tree can be pruned to maintain its shape and size.
Q: Does the Chinese trumpet tree attract wildlife?
A: The tree’s flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Related Plants
- Catalpa bignonioides
- Catalpa speciosa
- Campsis radicans
- Tecomaria capensis
References
- “Bretschneidera sinensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 15 September 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b399>
- “Chinese Trumpet Tree.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 15 September 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/10293/Bretschneidera-sinensis/Details>
- “Bretschneidera sinensis.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed 15 September 2021. <http://pza.sanbi.org/bretschneidera-sinensis>
