How to Grow Paulownia Tomentosa - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Paulownia tomentosa is a deciduous tree in the genus paulownia, native to central and western china. growing to 20–30 m tall, it is fast-growing and often used for timber production. the large, heart-shaped leaves are 20–40 cm across. the flowers are produced in panicles 30–50 cm long, with individual flowers 10–15 cm diameter, containing both male and female organs. the fruit is a capsule 15–20 cm long, containing numerous small seeds.

How to Grow Paulownia Tomentosa - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Empress Tree
  • Princess Tree
  • Paulownia Tree
  • Royal Paulownia
  • Phoenix Tree

Good to Know

  • Also known as the Empress Tree, the Paulownia tomentosa is a fast-growing, deciduous tree native to central and western China.
  • It can grow up to 20 metres (65 feet) tall with a trunk diameter of 1 metre (3 feet).
  • The tree's large, heart-shaped leaves can be up to 30 cm (12 in) long and 20 cm (8 in) wide.
  • The Paulownia tomentosa blooms in late spring or early summer with clusters of large, tubular, violet-blue flowers.
  • The flowers are followed by long, cylindrical fruits that contain numerous small seeds.
  • Paulownia tomentosa is often planted as an ornamental tree due to its attractive flowers and large leaves.
  • It is also commonly used in bonsai cultivation.
  • The wood of the Paulownia tomentosa is light, soft and easily worked, making it suitable for a variety of woodworking projects.
  • The tree's rapid growth rate means that it can be used for wood production on a short-term basis.
  • Paulownia tomentosa is considered an invasive species in many parts of the world due to its quick spread and ability to displace native vegetation.

Related plant:
Paulownia

How to Grow

  1. For paulownia tomentosa, first step is to find the right tree. Look for a tree that is at least 2 years old and has a trunk diameter of at least 2 inches.
  2. Once you have found the tree, the next step is to prepare the planting site. Choose an area that gets full sun and has well-drained soil.
  3. The next step is to dig a hole that is twice the size of the tree’s root ball.
  4. After the hole is dug, you will need to backfill it with a mixture of topsoil and compost.
  5. Once the hole is filled, you can now plant the tree.
  6. Water the tree deeply after planting.
  7. The next step is to Mulch around the base of the tree to help keep the roots cool and moist.
  8. Fertilize the tree in early spring and again in mid-summer with a slow-release fertilizer.
  9. Prune the tree in late winter or early spring to promote new growth.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful paulownia tomentosa tree!

Related plant:
Paulownia Tree

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Paulownia tomentosa prefers deep, rich, moist soils but is moderately tolerant of wet soils and can even tolerate some standing water for short periods of time. It is not tolerant of dry or poor soils.

Light condition

Like the other trees, the Paulownia tomentosa tree grows best when it receives plenty of sunlight. However, it is more tolerant to shade than other trees. It will still grow and prosper in shady areas, but it will not reach its full potential. For this reason, it is best to plant the tree in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition for growing paulownia tomentosa is warm. The best temperature for growing this tree is between 21 to 32 degrees Celsius. It can survive in lower temperature but the growth will be slower. In addition, the tree prefer full sun to partial shade.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. Under these condition, the plant will be able to thrive and develop properly. anything lower than 50% will stunt the growth of the plant and make it more susceptible to diseases and pests.

Fertilizing

For the fertilizer, this kind of plant prefers rich, organic materials. It is especially important to keep the Paulownia tomentosa well-fed during the growing season, as this will encourage lush foliage growth. During the dormant season, from late fall to early spring, it is best to withhold fertilizer to give the plant a rest. As for the roots, they are relatively shallow and fibrous, so be careful when digging around them. It is best to water the Paulownia tomentosa deeply and less frequently, rather than lightly and often.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of plant maintenance for the paulownia tomentosa. This fast-growing tree can develop weak and misshapen branches if not pruned regularly. Pruning also encourages new growth, which can be helpful in restoring a damaged or overgrown tree.

The Propagation

Propagation of paulownia tomentosa is typically done by rooting stem cuttings taken from the tips of young branches. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and should be 6-8 inches long. Cuttings can be taken year-round, but those taken in late spring or early summer will usually root the quickest. Cuttings should be placed in a well-drained potting mix and kept moist until roots begin to form. Once roots have formed, the new plants can be transplanted into larger pots or into the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 3 to 10 feet per year, depending on the growing conditions. Good light, well-drained soil, and moderate moisture are ideal. Fertilizer is not necessary for young trees, but may be beneficial for trees that are not growing well.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are root rot, crown rot, and leaf spot. Root rot is caused by too much water, while crown rot is caused by too little water. Leaf spot is caused by a fungus. All of these problems can be controlled by following a proper watering schedule and by keeping the plant clean and free of debris.

List to Know

  • Make sure to plant your paulownia tomentosa in an area that receives full sun.
  • This tree does best in well-drained soil.
  • When planting, make sure to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the tree’s root ball.
  • Once planted, water your paulownia tomentosa deeply and regularly for the first few months.
  • Fertilize your tree each spring using a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your paulownia tomentosa annually to shape it and encourage new growth.
  • Protect your tree from strong winds by staking it when it is young.
  • Be on the lookout for pests and diseases such as aphids, scale, and powdery mildew.
  • Harvest the tree’s leaves and flowers for use in crafts, dried arrangements, or potpourris.

Related Plants

  • Paulownia elata
  • Paulownia imperialis
  • Paulownia fortunei
  • Paulownia fargesii
  • Paulownia capillata
  • Paulownia tomentosa
  • Paulownia kawakamii
  • Paulownia chinensis
  • Paulownia henryi
  • Paulownia flava

Source:
Paulownia tomentosa - UDBG
Paulownia tomentosa - Purdue University
Paulownia tomentosa, empress tree | Trees of Stanford & Environs

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category