Golden Lights Rhododendron (Azalea) 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.

Golden Lights Rhododendron is an exceptionally cold hardy, deciduous azalea. Part of the Northern Lights Series, this shrub was cultivated specifically to withstand harsh winters, making it ideal for our prairie climate.

In late spring you'll be drawn to its beautiful, golden, sweetly fragrant flowers. Pruning is recommended after the flowers are spent to control the size and shape of this shrub.

Consider Golden Lights Rhododendron when planning your next hedge, or plant it on its own as a striking specimen plant.

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