The Indian bean tree matures into a tall, massive domed tree. It is grown for its large, heart-shaped leaves, which decrease in size as the tree matures. The leaves don’t show up until late June.
How to Grow
Plant the Indian bean tree in full sun in a protected area with well-drained, fertile soil. To keep the leaves from getting too big, prune them lightly each year and mulch them with compost or well-rotted manure each year.
Plant an Indian bean tree in full sun in a protected area. It makes a great focal point in the middle of a lawn and provides much-needed shade in the summer. It likewise makes an extraordinary setting for different plants at the rear of a line.
How to Plant
From spring to autumn, plant an Indian bean tree.
- Dig a large hole and loosen the soil around the edges so that the roots can spread into the soil quicker.
- Remove the tree from its nursery container and loosen the roots at the bottom.
- Plant the tree so that the top of the rootball sits level with the surface of the soil.
- Backfill the hole with soil, firm gently and water.
- Add a layer of mulch around the base of the tree with well-rotted manure or compost. Make sure the mulch does not come into contact with the trunk of the tree
Indian Bean Tree Care
Mulch yearly with well-rotted manure or compost. Young wood can be damaged by frost, so keep young plants out of the frost or protect them where possible.
Indian bean trees don’t require standard pruning, yet a yearly trim will guarantee the leaves stay large. Otherwise, remove damaged, weak, and crossing branches. Once adult, you might need to remove the lower branches to fit your desired shape or size.
“We recommend it is pruned back hard in early spring to maintain a rounded crown shape, or simply leave it to grow naturally and into a more open habit in a less formal setting,” says Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardening Express.
