How to Plant a Chitalpa Tree

By: Nathalie Alonso

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03 May, 2023

A handful of lovely white flowers blooming on a chitalpa tree (x Chitalpa tashkentensis).

Frau Siebenschläfer, CC-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The chitalpa tree (x ‌Chitalpa tashkentensis‌) is a hybrid deciduous flowering tree developed in Uzbekistan that grows well in arid climates, though it can be planted elsewhere as long as it is not overwatered. It can be used as a specimen, a street tree or a screen.

The chitalpa tree can survive winters in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 to 9.

Chitalpa Tree Characteristics

The chitalpa tree is a hybrid between two trees in different genera: the Southern catalpa (‌Catalpa bignonioides‌, zones 5 to 9), which is the native to the Southeastern U.S., and the desert willow (‌Chilopsis linearis‌, zones 7 to 9), which is native to the Southwest.

Chitalpa trees produce racemes of extremely showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that are pink or white and are attractive to hummingbirds and insects. These trees flower in late spring and have an extended bloom time through the summer.

Chitalpa trees are fast growing and have a maximum height of about 25 feet. They can only be propagated by cuttings, as the seeds of this tree are not viable.

Chitalpa Tree Cultivars

One of the most common selections of this tree is known as Pink Dawn (‌Chitalpa‌ ‌tashkentensis‌ 'Pink Dawn,' zones 6 to 9), which has lavender-pink flowers with yellowish throats.

The Morning Cloud (‌Chitalpa tashkentensis‌ 'Morning Cloud,' zones 6 to 9) cultivar is another popular option that has flowers that may be paler pink or white.

An upshot of some shaded pink flowers of a Pink Dawn chitalpa tree (Chitalpa tashkentensis 'Pink Dawn').

Krzysztof Ziarnek, CC-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Chitalpa Tree Site Selection

If you are growing a chitalpa tree in the Eastern U.S., it is important to plant in well-draining soil in order to prevent a condition known as root rot. Other than that, however, this tree can handle many different types of soil, including soils with a slightly acidic or alkaline pH.

Tip

As desert plants, chitalpa trees require excellent soil drainage.

The chitalpa tree can be grown in full sun or part shade. Its canopies allow turfgrasses to grow underneath.

Chitalpa Tree Pros and Cons

Chitalpa trees are drought tolerant and are therefore well suited for desert climates. This tree needs regular watering to become established, but it can be watered sparingly once it is established. However, regular watering will result in a more even and attractive canopy.

Tip

Water newly planted chitalpa trees regularly until they become established.

Chitalpa trees appreciate feeding with a general-purpose formula in the springtime. Apply fertilizer before new growth appears.

In humid climates, a fungal leaf disease known as powdery mildew can be a problem with chitalpa trees. The Morning Cloud cultivar has shown some resistance to this condition.