Key features
AwardsRHS Award of Garden Merit
Final size5 x 5 metres in 20 years
FoliageLarge heart-shaped green leaves turn yellow in autumn (deciduous)
FlowersLilac flowers displayed on bare branches in early spring
SoilRequires well-draining soil
Description
A striking ornamental tree, Paulownia tomentosa produces unusual flowers and huge heart-shaped leaves. The scented, pale lilac flowers sit on erect panicles and stand up like foxgloves, leading to the name of Foxglove tree. Sitting on the bare branches in early spring, they look like a lilac mist from afar. The leaves emerge in opposite pairs and can be up to 30 inches across. Coated in fine hairs, they start light green before turning mid-green and then golden-brown in the autumn. Curious seed pods, 3-4cm long, hang in clusters and add yet more interest.
A beautiful rounded tree, Paulownia tomentosa will grow to 5 x 5 metres in 20 years. Paulownia takes well to being pollarded (or coppiced) and will re-grow within one season, so that by late-summer it will be 5m tall again – a miraculous thing to watch! It will grow in sun and dappled shade and is tolerant of all soil types, but choose a sheltered position with well-drained soil for the best results.
Paulownia tomentosa was given its name in honour of the Grand Duchess Anna Pavlovna of Russia, also known as Anna Paulowna. Steeped in history, Paulownia tomentosa is traditionally planted in China when a baby girl is born and cut down when she is eligible for marriage to carve into wooden objects for her dowry; Paulownia wood carving is a fine art form in Japan and China. It is also legend that the Phoenix will only land on the branches of this tree.
Due to the size of leaves, please expect some leaf damage on deliveries made when the tree is in leaf – just remove any damaged leaves on arrival with sharp secateurs and new leaves will grow in no time at all.
AKA Empress tree, Foxglove tree, Princess Tree, Paulownia Tree,
Planting Steps
1Preparation
- Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
- Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
- To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.
2Planting
- Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
- Ensure the top of the plant’s compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
- Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
- Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.
3Last Steps
- Water generously around the base of the plant.
- If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.
Aftercare Advice
Trees and shrubs require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.
For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.
