Paulownia tomentosa
Foxglove tree, Empress tree, Princess tree, Empress tree
Also known as Paulownia imperialis
- Height × spread
- 12m × 7m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This makes a multi-stemmed shrub or a tree of great beauty; not only for its exceptional flowers but also for its handsome foliage. In spring, the tree produces charming, large, conical panicles of fragrant, blue-purple, foxglove-shaped flowers. It grows rapidly and can achieve 8-10m (25-30ft) height in the first five or so years, after which, if you are lucky, it will commence flowering. The leaves are broadly oval, in pairs, with woolly undersides.
- Flower colour
- Blue, Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Brown, Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet
- Shape
- Round
- Height
- 12m
- Spread
- 7m
- Height in 10 years
- 10m
- Spread in 10 years
- 6m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Scented garden, Mediterranean garden, Exotic garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural, Sensory garden (tactile)
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring-Autumn · Planting
Prune to maintain young trees
While it is still possible to safely reach up and into the tree, remove dead or damaged foliage, and crossing or misplaced branches in early spring while the plant is still dormant.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.