Bungei Indian Bean Topiary Lollipops – Catalpa bignonioides ‘Nana’
£79.79 – £229.79
The Bungei Indian Bean Topiary Lollipop (Catalpa bignonioides ‘Nana’) is a striking and low-maintenance ornamental tree, known for its lush, rounded canopy and seasonal foliage changes. Unlike its larger relatives, this compact variety does not produce flowers or seed pods, making it an ideal choice for structured landscapes, urban gardens, and container planting. With its architectural form, vibrant green leaves, and golden autumn tones, it remains an excellent choice for those seeking an eye-catching yet easy-to-care-for specimen.
Bungei Indian Bean Topiary Lollipops – Catalpa bignonioides ‘Nana’
Overview
Catalpa bignonioides ‘Nana’, commonly known as the Bungei Indian Bean Tree, is a compact, ornamental variety of the larger Indian Bean Tree. Grown in an elegant topiary lollipop form, this tree features a dense, rounded crown of lush green foliage, creating a striking architectural presence in gardens, courtyards, and patios. Unlike its larger counterpart, this dwarf cultivar does not produce flowers or seed pods, focusing instead on its vibrant canopy of large, heart-shaped leaves that provide excellent shade and structure throughout the growing season.
Why Choose Bungei Indian Bean Topiary?
This unique topiary tree is an excellent choice for those seeking a low-maintenance yet visually striking specimen. With its naturally compact, rounded canopy and slow-growing nature, it requires minimal pruning to retain its formal shape. The large, lime-green foliage emerges in spring and remains vibrant through summer before turning golden-yellow in autumn, providing strong seasonal interest. Its ability to thrive in urban environments and tolerate pollution makes it particularly suitable for courtyards, driveways, and modern landscapes. Unlike many other topiary trees, its broad leaves create a dense, uniform canopy, offering shade and an impressive sculptural presence.
Growth and Seasonal Interest
Bungei Indian Bean is a deciduous tree with a predictable and well-structured growth pattern. In spring, the tree bursts into life with fresh, bright green leaves that quickly form a dense, rounded canopy. Throughout summer, its large, heart-shaped foliage remains lush and vibrant, creating a cooling effect in warm weather. As autumn arrives, the leaves transition to golden-yellow hues, adding warmth to the garden before dropping in winter to reveal a sculptural framework of sturdy branches.
Since this dwarf variety does not produce flowers or seed pods, its appeal lies in its structured form and foliage. Its ability to maintain a compact, rounded canopy without extensive intervention makes it particularly attractive for formal gardens and contemporary outdoor spaces.
Pruning and Maintenance
Catalpa bignonioides ‘Nana’ is extremely low-maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning to refine its shape. Trimming once a year in late winter or early spring helps maintain the rounded topiary form and encourages strong, compact growth. Any dead or damaged branches should be removed at this time to keep the tree healthy. It is important to avoid heavy pruning during summer, as excessive cuts can lead to stress and irregular growth.
For trees grown in pots, occasional root pruning and repotting every three to five years will ensure continued vigor. Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can promote lush foliage, while a layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Hardiness and Winter Care
Classified as RHS Hardiness Rating H5, this tree is capable of withstanding temperatures down to approximately -15°C, making it well-suited for most regions in the UK. It is fully hardy once established, although young or potted specimens may benefit from additional winter protection in particularly cold or exposed locations. Mulching around the base helps insulate the roots, and moving container-grown trees to a sheltered position can prevent excessive frost damage. While Catalpa is resilient, ensuring well-drained soil is essential to prevent waterlogging during the wetter months.
Ideal Growing Conditions
This tree thrives in a sunny to partially shaded location, with full sun promoting the most vibrant foliage. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and adapts well to a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. A sheltered spot, protected from strong winds, will help maintain the integrity of the topiary shape and prevent leaf damage. While the tree is moderately drought-tolerant once established, occasional watering during prolonged dry spells will encourage healthy, dense growth.
Companion Planting Suggestions
The Bungei Indian Bean tree pairs beautifully with low-growing perennials and ornamental grasses, which complement its structured canopy. Underplanting with lavender, heuchera, or hostas enhances visual contrast, while grasses such as Stipa tenuissima create a soft, flowing effect beneath its dense foliage. In formal gardens, neatly clipped boxwood or yew hedging can frame the tree, emphasizing its sculptural presence.
Wildlife and Biodiversity
Although this variety does not flower, its dense foliage provides shelter for small birds and beneficial insects. The broad leaves offer refuge from sun and rain, making it a valuable addition to a wildlife-friendly garden. The tree’s fallen leaves contribute to soil enrichment in autumn, supporting healthy microorganisms and soil biodiversity.
Fun Fact
Despite its name, the Indian Bean Tree does not originate from India and does not produce edible beans. The species is native to the southeastern United States and was introduced to Europe in the 18th century as an ornamental tree. The name “Indian Bean” likely refers to the resemblance of its seed pods (in non-dwarf varieties) to bean-like structures.
Summary
The Bungei Indian Bean Topiary Lollipop (Catalpa bignonioides ‘Nana’) is a striking and low-maintenance ornamental tree, known for its lush, rounded canopy and seasonal foliage changes. Unlike its larger relatives, this compact variety does not produce flowers or seed pods, making it an ideal choice for structured landscapes, urban gardens, and container planting. With its architectural form, vibrant green leaves, and golden autumn tones, it remains an excellent choice for those seeking an eye-catching yet easy-to-care-for specimen.
Disclaimer
The appearance of Catalpa bignonioides ‘Nana’ may vary depending on the season and maturity at the time of purchase. Potted specimens may require additional winter protection in colder UK climates. Growth rate and foliage density may be influenced by environmental factors, including sunlight exposure, soil conditions, and pruning practices.
FREE Specialist Delivery Available
At Harrod Outdoors, we take pride in delivering top-quality plants with care and efficiency, directly to your doorstep. Our delivery options are tailored to suit the size and type of your plants, ensuring they arrive in perfect condition, ready to transform your outdoor space. With free specialist delivery available on qualifying orders across most of the UK, and clear delivery timelines of 10-15 working days (up to 30 for larger or custom orders), we make it simple and stress-free.
If you need help selecting the right plants or have specific delivery requirements, our friendly team is here to assist. You can trust us to handle your order with expertise every step of the way. View our Delivery Policy or Contact Us for more information.
Bungei Indian Bean Topiary Lollipops – Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Bungei Indian Bean (Catalpa bignonioides ‘Nana’) a good choice for topiary?
Bungei Indian Bean (Catalpa bignonioides ‘Nana’) is a compact, deciduous tree known for its dense, rounded canopy of large, bright green leaves. Unlike the standard Catalpa, this variety remains compact and non-flowering, making it an excellent choice for topiary lollipops. It provides seasonal interest with lush summer foliage and a tidy winter silhouette, requiring minimal maintenance. Its strong architectural shape, resilience to urban conditions, and suitability for both formal and contemporary landscapes make it a standout choice for gardens, courtyards, and patios.
How fast does Bungei Indian Bean Topiary grow?
Bungei Indian Bean has a moderate to fast growth rate, typically growing 30–50 cm per year in ideal conditions. While the canopy expands with age, the trunk remains compact, maintaining its topiary lollipop shape. Regular pruning keeps it neat and controlled, ensuring a dense, rounded form.
How often should I prune my Bungei Indian Bean Topiary?
To maintain its distinctive spherical shape, pruning is recommended once a year, ideally in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This helps control the size of the canopy and encourages strong, bushy regrowth. Occasional light trimming throughout the growing season can help maintain shape but should be done sparingly to avoid excessive leaf loss.
What are the best growing conditions for Bungei Indian Bean Topiary?
Bungei Indian Bean thrives in full sun, which promotes the best leaf color and compact growth. It prefers moist, well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil types, including loam, chalk, and sandy soils. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, requiring occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. It is also highly resistant to pollution, making it an excellent choice for urban gardens, courtyards, and driveways.
Is Bungei Indian Bean Topiary suitable for growing in pots?
Yes, Bungei Indian Bean is well-suited for container planting, making it a striking choice for patios, terraces, and entranceways. When growing in a pot:
– Use a large container (at least 50 cm in diameter) with good drainage holes.
– Water regularly, as container-grown plants dry out faster than in-ground trees.
– Repot every three to five years to prevent root congestion.
– Apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring to maintain healthy foliage.
How hardy is Bungei Indian Bean, and does it need winter protection?
Bungei Indian Bean is classified as RHS Hardiness Rating H5, meaning it can tolerate temperatures down to approximately -10°C to -15°C, making it suitable for most UK climates.
As a deciduous tree, it will naturally lose its leaves in autumn before regrowing them in spring. This is a normal seasonal cycle and not a sign of damage or disease.
For young or potted specimens in colder areas:
– Apply mulch around the base to insulate the roots.
– Move potted trees to a sheltered spot or wrap containers with fleece to protect the roots from frost.
Does Bungei Indian Bean produce flowers or seed pods?
No, Bungei Indian Bean (Catalpa bignonioides ‘Nana’) is a non-flowering cultivar, meaning it does not produce the large, orchid-like blooms or long seed pods seen on standard Catalpa trees. This makes it a neater, low-maintenance alternative for topiary and formal planting schemes.
Can Bungei Indian Bean Topiary be used as a pair for symmetrical planting?
Yes, Bungei Indian Bean is an excellent choice for symmetrical planting, particularly for framing pathways, driveways, or garden entrances. Its naturally rounded canopy and structured growth habit create a formal and balanced appearance.
To achieve perfect symmetry:
– Select trees of the same size at the time of purchase to prevent uneven growth.
– Plant both trees at the same depth and with the same soil type to encourage uniform development.
– Prune both trees at the same time to maintain an identical shape and canopy size.
– Ensure equal sunlight exposure for both trees to avoid one growing faster than the other.
Why are the leaves on my Bungei Indian Bean Topiary turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves can occur for several reasons:
– Overwatering or poor drainage – Excess moisture can stress the roots. Ensure well-drained soil, especially in pots.
– Underwatering in hot weather – Prolonged drought can cause leaf yellowing, though the tree is drought-tolerant once established.
– Nutrient deficiencies – A lack of nitrogen may cause pale or yellow leaves. Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to support healthy foliage.
– Seasonal changes – As a deciduous tree, leaves will naturally turn yellow in autumn before dropping.
How to restore healthy green foliage:
– Check soil moisture – Adjust watering to prevent overwatering or drought stress.
– Improve drainage – If in a pot, ensure proper drainage holes; if in the ground, mix in organic matter.
– Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early spring to promote lush, green growth.
– Remove affected leaves – Trim off yellow leaves to encourage fresh, healthy regrowth.
Is Bungei Indian Bean resistant to pests and diseases?
Yes, Bungei Indian Bean is generally resistant to most common pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice. However, occasional issues can include:
– Aphids – Can appear in spring and summer; washing leaves with water or using an organic insecticidal soap can help.
– Leaf scorch – Caused by excessive heat or drought stress; ensure regular watering in dry periods.
– Fungal leaf spots – Usually occur in humid conditions; improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent this.
Final Thoughts
Bungei Indian Bean Topiary Lollipops are an elegant, architectural, and easy-care choice for structured gardens, patios, and urban landscapes. With its unique rounded canopy, large ornamental leaves, and strong resilience, it provides seasonal interest with minimal maintenance. Proper pruning, occasional feeding, and strategic placement in full sun and well-drained soil will ensure these striking trees thrive for years to come.
Need More Help?
If you have any further questions about Bungei Indian Bean Topiary Lollipops, feel free to contact us for expert advice.
You may also like…
-
Hornbeam Topiary Archways – Carpinus betulus
£799.79 – £1,299.79 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Indian Bean Tree – Catalpa Bignonioides
£99.79 – £179.79 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Green Beech Topiary Balls – Fagus sylvatica
£89.79 – £1,249.79 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Copper Beech Topiary Balls – Fagus sylvatica ‘Atropurpurea’
£69.79 – £599.79 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
