Paulownia Trees
If you are looking for a fast growing ornamental shade tree then Paulownia tomentosa cultivars such as ‘Sapphire Dragon’ might be the answer.
In three years it can reach around 5-6m in height and with masses of flower spikes in spring it does put on a spectacular display and yes the flowers are a lavender purple colour, trumpet shaped and attractive, and the foliage is large and luxuriant.
Paulownia Trees make a great shade tree, a fast growing tree that does well in free draining position and full sun.
Native to China the Empress Tree ( P. tomentosa) tree is a fast growing tree used widely for timber production and supposedly brings good luck. All cultivars make an excellent fast growing shade tree.
A tree with a number of common names, they are often called the ‘Powton’ tree or ‘Foxglove’ tree as well as the ‘Princess Tree’. Most will reach around 12m in height with a similar spread in an open location.
With large leaves and showy flowers in spring these tree are readily available for sale. Great as a fast growing landscape feature tree, and also used for timber production these are a tree that are increasingly popular with landscapers.
All varieties prefer a deep well drained position, full sun and moisture during summer. In Japan Paulownia trees are believed to bring good luck to the house and those who enter.
Varieties
Care
Paulownia are best planted when dormant, so look for late autumn when the soil is still warm or early spring. They will require some water during the first year or two of growth.
They are frost tolerant, very hardy once established and seem to tolerate urban conditions as well.
Paulownia Tree Uses
Used primarily as a timber tree in China P. tomentosa ‘Sapphire Dragon’ grows well in a humus rich moist soil. It does handle dry periods, however growth will be slower during these dry spells.
These are a large tree with a deep tap root, probably best not planted to close to buildings as the branches can be a little brittle. Protection from strong winds is also beneficial.
If you wish to keep Paulownia tomentosa as an ornamental, with lots of flowers each year without it becoming to tall or ‘leggy’ then it can be pruned heavily. If you are pruning for flowers, then prune just after the flowering has finished.