How to Grow Paulownia - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Paulownia is a deciduous tree that is native to china. it is also commonly known as the princess tree, empress tree, or foxglove tree. the paulownia tree has large, heart-shaped leaves and showy, purple flowers. the paulownia tree is fast-growing and can reach a height of 30-60 feet.

How to Grow Paulownia - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Saijo Persimmon
  • Korean Paulownia
  • Foxglove tree
  • Royal Paulownia
  • Princess tree

Basic info

  • Paulownia is a genus of six to 17 species of flowering plants in the family Paulowniaceae, native to eastern Asia from southern China to Japan.
  • All species are large deciduous trees reaching 10–20 m tall, with large heart-shaped to five-lobed leaves 15–40 cm across.
  • The leaves are opposite and arranged in whorls of three or four, with a trace of pinnation.
  • The flowers are produced in panicles 20–40 cm long, containing numerous small foxglove-like violet, purple or white blooms with long, narrow petals.
  • The fruit is a dry, reddish-brown capsule 5–7 cm long, containing numerous small winged seeds.
  • Paulownia is fast-growing, reaching 30 m tall in just three to five years.
  • All parts of the tree are extremely lightweight, with the wood being used for making kites, fishing floats and poles, and the hollowed-out trunks for canoes.
  • The tree is also used in traditional Chinese medicine.
  • Paulownia was introduced to the West in the early 19th century and was named after Anna Paulowna, Queen of the Netherlands.
  • The tree has become an invasive species in many countries outside its native range, including Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

Growing Steps

  1. For paulownia, first step is to buy a paulownia tree seedling.
  2. Next, plant the paulownia tree seedling in well-drained soil in an area of full sun.
  3. Water the seedling regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
  4. When the tree is about 3 feet tall, begin to fertilize it monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
  5. Once the tree reaches 6-8 feet tall, you can discontinue the fertilizer.
  6. Prune the tree annually to promote growth and shape the tree as desired.
  7. When the tree reaches maturity (after about 10-15 years), it will begin to produce flowers.
  8. These flowers will eventually turn into the tree's distinctive seed pods.
  9. Once the seed pods mature, they will open and release the tree's seeds.
  10. Collect the seeds and plant them to propagate new paulownia trees.

Related plant:
Paulownia Tomentosa

The Soil

About soil condition, Paulownia does not have high demand and is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions from sandy loam to heavy clays. However, it grows best on deep, well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It is not tolerant of wet, poorly drained soils.

Light condition

Like the other trees, the Paulownia needs sun to grow. It prefers full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. The amount of sun your tree gets will affect its growth rate and how big it gets. If you live in an area with long, hot summers, your tree will need some relief from the afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.

The Temperature

The temperature condition is the most important factor for the growth of paulownia. If the temperature is too high, the leaves will be withered; if the temperature is too low, the branches will be frozen. In general, paulownia can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from -30 to 35 degrees Celsius.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40-60%. If the environment is too dry, the leaves will turn brown and drop off. If the environment is too wet, the leaves will turn yellow and drop off.

The Fertilizer

About fertilizer, this kind of plant prefers light fertilizer, and you can apply it once a month. It’s recommended that you use organic fertilizer, such as compost. As for the roots, they are very sensitive to waterlogging, so make sure the soil is well-drained.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important aspect of paulownia care. The tree can be pruned to encourage new growth, to improve the shape of the tree, or to remove damaged or diseased branches. When pruning, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears.

About Propagating

Propagation is typically by seed, as the wood is too soft to take cuttings. The large, fragile seeds must be sown immediately after collection as they lose viability quickly. Sow the seeds in moist sand and keep at a temperature of 21-24°C. Seedlings emerge in 4-8 weeks. When large enough to handle, transplant into individual pots and grow on in a well-lit position in moist but well-drained, lime-free potting compost. Scale back hard in late summer or autumn to encourage bushy growth.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is the result of planting aggressive species that are adapted to certain areas. Some of the more popular paulownia species include the fast-growing white paulownia (P. tomentosa), golden paulownia (P. fortunei), and silver paulownia (P. Tomentosa f. albescens). All of these species have different planting requirements, so it is important to consult with a local nursery or extension service before planting. Paulownia is a popular tree for growth rate due to its tolerance of a variety of soils and climates. It is considered an aggressive species, however, and should be planted with caution. Some of the more popular paulownia species include the fast-growing white paulownia (P. tomentosa), golden paulownia (P. fortunei), and silver paulownia (P. Tomentosa f. albescens). All of these species have different planting requirements, so it is important to consult with a local nursery or extension service before planting.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are pests and diseases. Some of the pests that can attack this tree are aphids, scale, and whiteflies. As for diseases, paulownia is susceptible to root rot and wilt.

Tips on Growing

  • Make sure to plant your paulownia in an area that receives full sun.
  • Choose a planting site that has well-drained soil.
  • Be sure to plant your tree at the correct depth. The root ball should be buried no more than 2 inches below the soil surface.
  • Water your paulownia tree deeply and regularly during the first growing season.
  • Fertilize your tree twice during the first growing season, using a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your paulownia tree to encourage branching and to control its growth.
  • Be on the lookout for pests and diseases, and take action immediately if you notice any problems.
  • Remember to mulch around your paulownia tree to help conserve moisture and control weeds.
  • Give your tree plenty of room to grow, and don’t plant anything else too close to it.

Related Plants

  • Paullina
  • Pauline
  • Pavonia
  • Pawpaw
  • Pawnee
  • Pegasus
  • Pelargonium
  • Peloria
  • Penstemon
  • Peopletrier

Source:
Royal Paulownia - bellarmine.edu
Paulownia is becoming a royal pain! | seohiowoods
Paulownia: A Guide to Establishment and Cultivation

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category