Golden Umbrella Tree

‘Aurea’ is the golden-leaved form of Southern catalpa, a spreading deciduous tree with large leaves that emerge bright yellow and shift toward yellow-green or green as the season progresses. White summer flowers carry orange and purple markings, followed by long narrow capsules. The [RHS cultivar profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/93435/catalpa-bignonioides-aurea/details) describes its seasonal traits, and [Van den Berk Nurseries](https://www.vdberk.com/trees/catalpa-bignonioides-aurea/) provides a cultivar size estimate and growing notes. ## Landscape use Plant as a specimen tree where its broad crown and large leaves have room to spread. It can bring bright spring color to a mixed border or open lawn. Reported mature dimensions vary: sources describe this cultivar as a medium-sized tree, with estimates ranging from about 6–8 metres to larger mature sizes. ## Foliage and flowers The large heart-shaped leaves are golden yellow when they first unfold, then fade toward yellow-green or green in summer. White, bell-shaped flowers with yellow and purple markings appear in upright clusters in summer. Long capsules may persist into winter. ## Siting and soil Choose full sun and moist but well-drained, fertile soil. It tolerates heavy clay, but shelter from strong winds helps protect the large leaves. ## Maintenance Prune young trees selectively to build a stable framework, then remove only dead or damaged branches as needed. Collect fallen leaves and capsules where they would obstruct paths.