Paulownia tomentosa Tree

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.

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,