Is Catalpa ok in windy coastal areas (kent)

If its the ordinary, green version, it likes as much sun as possible, and will need shelter from frost while its young. Once its got older ,it should be fine. If you live near the coast and that's why its windy, at least the winds will be relatively warm. The version that might not survive as easily is the yellow leaved variety - that one is slightly more tender and needs a bit more shelter.

Thanks Bamboo, I'll make sure to get the green leaved variety.

Catalpa are common here and very hardy trees. Perhaps this link from Floridata may assist ...

http://www.floridata.com/ref/C/catalpa.cfm

Thanks Victoria1st, I looked it up & noticed that the site is an American one, where the trees are native to the southern states. It stated that they are hardy in USA zones 6-10. Would these zones equate to slightly colder southern England where I live?

I do have a map on zones Dydocon and 6 is pretty cold and 10 is hot (I am in 10 but we do get cold in the winter). The UK is predominantly 8-9 except central Scotland where it can be 7 .... so think you will be okay.

Personally I think you will be fine if it is protected whilst young.

Perhaps someone else more familiar with zones will add their thoughts.

Victoria is right, Britain is mainly Zone 8 - and your Catalpa will be fine once its grown a bit, won't need protecting then.

Thanks for your help guys, I can now buy them knowing that they should be fine.

I have now bought three trees of the Aurea variety. I am aware that these are more susceptible than the others, but could not resist their beautiful leaves. With this in mind, I have erected a stout framework,, to act as a windbreak, & weaved in some willow canes, which have been firmly pushed into the soil. We were fortunate in having a willow tree which was in the wrong place, & was going to be removed anyway. So, we decided to make use of the canes which are mostly eight feet plus. The hope is that the canes take root & come into leaf next spring, making the windbreak effective for next year.
The trees are planted in a line with the windbreak at the south westerly end. Currently, despite watering, the canes are losing their leaves, so, I need to cover the framework with some kind of wind filtering material. Can anyone recommend something suitable for this & let me know where to obtain it, bearing in mind that I am based in the UK. Thanks

One thing, surely your willow windbreak will lose its leaves every year, so not sure how effective a winter windbreak it will be.
As for windbreak material, google "windbreak materials" and several sites come up selling all kinds of mesh for wind break purposes. I'm sure you're aware it shouldn't be a solid barrier, but something like a fine mesh.

Doh! I can't recall if the willow tree itself lost its leaves last winter, as we only moved here last July. Are willows usually deciduous? Anyway, I did look up some mesh online & have ordered some. If the worst comes to the worst, I will have to install the mesh every winter, & remove it each spring!

Willows are deciduous, sorry;-) Glad you found some mesh - you could think about planting bamboo as a windbreak - you'd have to contain its spread with a barrier, but it does do the job very well.

Thanks Bamboo, I will stick with the willow, as it gives instant height & doesn't cost a penny! & use it in conjunction with the mesh. P.S I do like bamboo, & have a nigra in my front garden & an unknown, but lovely lime green one in a pot in the back.

You're right, willow is the cheapest option, even if you do have to erect the wind break every year - you'll already have that anyway.