Indian Bean Tree

Does anyone have an Indian Bean Tree in their garden? I am so happy with mine this year I thought I would share it with you - the flowers have been amazing. It was only a 3ft bare stick when I first planted it approx. 15 years ago and it first started flowering about 5 years ago. Think it's time I had the top lopped off to stop it from getting any bigger.
Wish I had taken the washing line down before taking the picture - only just spotted it.

I hope I have copied this pic OK - first time I have dared to attempt anything like this.

 

Hi Anne

it looks amazing , I have the purple leaf form , mine is only 6 years old but has flowered for the past 4 years so after reading post count myself lucky, I have seen in Baker's catalogue they say it keeps the gnats and mozi away , do you think this is true ?. Has your produced any long beans yet ??

Spruce

 

Thanks Spruce
Yes you were very lucky, I must look out for the purple leaf one. How strange that you should mention Bakkers as that is where I got mine from. Yes it is true what they say about keeping gnats and mozi away - seems to work great in my garden when I'm sat there sipping my drink. It produces very long beans - and a lot of them.

 

I've planted one this year, but plan to "stool" it to get big leaves, and only grow it to 6' or so.

Had one in a previous garden, and I agree it makes a lovely small tree.

 

Your tree looks very healthy Anne.
I have one that I planted 5 years ago. It was grown from seed by a friend who gave it to me when it was about 1ft tall.
It has flowered the last two years and now also gets pods.
It's a lovely tree and where it is, it can grow however big it likes.

 

There's times I wish I had kept it smaller as it makes a great specimen tree standing alone as yours is. But I get so much pleasure just looking at mine and the orchid-like flowers are so adorable. I have 3 very large tulip trees which have never flowered until this year and 1 has - however the squirrel has put paid to me enjoying the flowers for more than 2 days!!

 

Hi Spruce
Just looked up info on the purple leafed variety - must say I'm rather keen on it. Think I'm going to have to invest in one.

 

I've grown one for a number of years but I dont have space to let it do its real thing.
So I cut mine hard back each year and get good sized leaves, up to 10ft of new growth each summer.
I always admire the ones in my local park, and take a few pictures.

 

I have 2 stooled ones in pots, I'm tempted to plant them now and let them have their head.

 

Hi Anne
Believe it or not but I got mine at B&Q and in the sale at 50% off (love a bargain) and over a metre high.

I think not such a strong grower as the normal green variety but it may be my garden conditions ? bit too much wind blowing in from the Atlantic at times catches the large leaves.

Always hesitate to coppice this one just in case it doesnt grow back I would hate to loose it

Just thought mine has never had pods , are they self fertile ?? if not I dont know of other one by me.


Spruce

 

Have you looked on eBay for some pollen?

 

As far as I know Catalpa will not have viable seed in the UK.
The summers are not long enough, even though the pods do form.