Summer Bells 

An unusual and very attractive hybrid between Catalpa and Chilopsis, X Chitalpa tashkentensis Minsum is a small, fast-growing, deciduous tree or medium-sized shrub, with a neat, bushy, rather spreading habit, ideal for smaller gardens. The long, pointed, lance-shaped leaves are matte deep green. Masses of trumpet-shaped, lightly sweet-scented, mauvish-pink flowers,  washed with white and with pale yellow throats and purple stamens, appear from May to August, with another blooming in September; the flowers are much sought after by bees and butterflies, bringing wildlife into your garden. Summer Bells is drought- and heat-tolerant, and can be quite severely pruned in late winter, without affecting flowering.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any fertile, deep, well-drained soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Late spring to early autumn in particular
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height:  10-13’ (3-4m) Spread: 6’6” (2m) in 5-10 years