Foxglove tree
Paulownia fortunei · Paulowniaceae
📷 Fanghong · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around foxglove tree and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Adult size
- 15 to 20 m tall
- Growth
- Very fast
- Hardiness
- Down to -15°C
- Origin
- Central and eastern China
- Soil type
- Well-drained, rich and deep
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Paulownia grows very fast but requires plenty of watering during its first summer (deep root system needs to establish). After that, it tolerates drought well. Prune frost-damaged branches in late winter.
The common mistake
It's often left without support in the early years. The thick, soft stems snap in the wind or under the weight of giant leaves.
The pro's trick
Pinch the tip of the young plant the year you plant it to force it to branch from the start, rather than letting it develop a single, fragile trunk.
Seasonal watch
Spring frosts (April/May) scorch the newly emerged leaves. Not a disaster: the plant recovers, but flowering is delayed. In cold climates, wait until May to plant.
Care
Light Exposure
Plant your Paulownia in full sun to encourage vigorous growth and generous flowering. It tolerates partial shade but develops less well. Choose a location sheltered from strong winds that could damage its large leaves.
Watering
Water young trees regularly, especially during the first two years after planting, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once established, it tolerates dry periods thanks to its deep root system, but will appreciate watering during prolonged drought.
Soil
Paulownia prefers deep, fertile and well-drained soil. Enrich the planting hole with quality compost or potting soil. Avoid compacted or very chalky soils which would limit its spectacular growth.
Pruning and Training
Little pruning is necessary. Clear lower branches during the first years to form an attractive shape. Remove dead or crossing branches in winter. You can practice more severe pruning to control its height if space is limited.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring to support growth. An organic mulch at the base renewed each year will gradually enrich the soil while retaining moisture. Avoid excess nitrogen which would favor foliage at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and Pests
Paulownia is generally robust and little affected by major pests. Watch young plants for slugs and snails in spring. In case of excess moisture, root rot may occur: improve soil drainage in that case.
Did you know?
Fortune's Paulownia takes its name from Robert Fortune, a Scottish botanist of the 19th century who introduced it to Europe from China. This extraordinary tree has become a symbol of rapid reforestation in temperate zones, capable of growing more than a meter per year and creating generous shade within just a few years.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.