Paulownia tomentosa

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foxglove tree

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Other common names

princess tree

Synonyms

Paulownia imperialis

Trees
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A broad, medium-sized deciduous tree with handsome ovate or shallowly-lobed leaves to 25cm in length. Fragrant, light lilac-purple flowers in large panicles. Fruits ovoid, thinly woody

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Paulowniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus
Paulownia are deciduous trees with large, ovate leaves and erect panicles of foxglove-like flowers in spring; they can also be coppiced for extra-large leaves at expense of flowers
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
China, Korea

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, humus-rich, fertile soils. Protect young trees from frost. Suitable for pollarding. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Seed germinates best if exposed to light. Seedlings must be protected from frost

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 1 or Pruning group 7 for foliage effect

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus