About
Scented, light lilac-purple flowers in large panicles. A broad, medium-sized deciduous tree with attractive ovate or shallowly-lobed leaves to 25cm in length. Fruits ovoid, thinly woody.
About the 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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toChina, Korea
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist, humus-rich, fertile soils. Protect young trees from frost. Suitable for pollarding. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution
PruningPruning group 1 or Pruning group 7 for foliage effect
PropagationPropagate 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
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus