Paulownia Trees
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.
