Sensation Lilac vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)

Northern Catalpa is a striking feature tree with showy flowers, and very large leaves. Its orchid-like flowers are white with yellow and purple accents, and they have a pleasant fragrance. They bloom from late spring to early summer and can last up to two weeks, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators. The leaves are very large, ranging from 15-30 cm long, 12-20 cm wide, forming a canopy that makes it a good shade tree.

They can tolerate dry conditions as well as standing water, air pollution, and salt. These factors and its beauty contribute to its growing popularity as both a boulevard and ornamental tree in colder areas.

Northern Catalpa produces long bean-like capsules and are sometimes called the Cigar Tree in reference to this fruit.

Sensation Lilac is an outstanding shrub known for its fragrant, bicolor flowers. In mid-spring, stunning purple flowers with white borders emerge and cover the entire plant.

Once the flowers bloom, they give off a beautifully sweet scent that is enjoyed by people, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other wildlife. Plant Sensation Lilac in full sun to produce the most vibrant flower color.

Compare Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) with

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