We have very large Catalpa trees. When they flower and heavy rain or winds come through, large clusters of the flowers fall. I know I can't save the individual flowers that fall, but the clusters with small stems I'd like to gather and put in water. However, when I do this, the flowers don't flourish like other flowers when put in water and die within a day. Is this just something I can't do or am I doing something wrong? Seems such a shame that they can't survive a few days in water.
Here's an article with some tips you might consider:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fgen/flower-food-for-cut-flowers.htm
would like to purchase chitalpa trees
I would, first, check with your local nurseries. If that doesn't work then a Google search will provide many online nurseries that can ship to just about anywhere.
I have several catalpa trees but have never had any worms. I am a fisherman and would love to use them for bait. I transplanted these trees four years ago and always had worms in the past at their previous location.
They will be naturally attracted to the tree. There won't be much that you can do to attract them. All you can do is make sure the tree remains healthy. You may consider planting more trees, but I would have care with this. They can become quite invasive.
This article will help you to care for the tree: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/catalpa/catalpa-tree-planting.htm
The planting instructions (I live in Mesquite, Nv) said deep infrequent watering. However, all the chitalpas in my neighborhood are on drip systems. My tree has two drip lines delivering one gallon per line twice weekly. After reading your article, I suspect I am overwatering. Any suggestions Regards Dennis
Stress can cause the blooms to fall. Overwatering could be the stress that is contributing to blossom drop. Here are more reasons:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/why-healthy-blooms-fall.htmhttps://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/chitalpa/growing-chitalpa-trees.htm
I normally prune growth back to main branch/trunk. New branches have grown up to 6ft this year. Should i cut new growth back as normal or can i keep certain length of new growth. I would like trees to have a better head shape rather than just lots of long branches. Thank you.
You are on the right track with your thinking of allowing a more natural form and beauty by only reducing the height and spread by a minimum amount. You should thin the canopy first, by taking about one quarter to one third of the shoots to get some spacing between them and open it up. Then you will have fewer shoots to shape back by 1/4 to 1/3 of the length.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/catalpa/catalpa-tree-planting.htm
I trimmed all the branches of my catalpa tree all the way down to the trunk. Will it come back in the spring? I live in Buffalo NY.
That is called tree topping and is never a good idea. It opens the tree to insect invasion, decay and even death. The new growth you get in spring will be water sprouts, which are weak, spindly and unattractive.
Here is more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-topping-information.htm
My chitalpa tree is about 9 years old and has not lost leaves like this before.
There are a few things that can cause this, but Verticillium comes to mind, first. Usually, this comes from soils that get too much water, or remain wet, and when the tree is shaded.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/verticillium-wilt-treatment.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/chitalpa/growing-chitalpa-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/biofungicide-information.htm