Princess tree
Paulownia tomentosa · Paulowniaceae
📷 Jean-Pol GRANDMONT · CC BY 2.5
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around princess tree and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- April-May, lilac to pale violet flowers
- Adult size
- 15 m tall
- Growth
- Very fast
- Hardiness
- Down to approximately -15°C
- Origin
- China, Japan
- Soil type
- Well-drained, fertile, tolerant
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Paulownia tomentosa is vigorous but demands excellent drainage—it rots at the collar in wet clay soils. Stake it for the first three years (rapid growth means brittle wood).
The common mistake
Planting it in heavy soil or a damp depression triggers root problems long before frost arrives.
The pro's trick
Grow your own from seed: they germinate easily in warmth and you'll have vigorous plants in 2-3 years.
Care
Exposure
The paulownia thrives in full sun for optimal flowering and vigorous development. Plant it in an open location, sheltered from strong winds that can damage its supple branches. It tolerates light partial shade as well, but flowering will be less abundant there.
Watering
During the first year, water regularly to encourage root establishment, then gradually decrease. As a mature tree, it tolerates dry periods well thanks to its powerful root system. Increase watering during prolonged drought or intense heat.
Soil
The paulownia adapts to most soils, provided they are well-drained. Prefer fertile, slightly deep potting soil to encourage its rapid growth. Avoid waterlogged soils, which promote root rot.
Fertilizing
Enrich the soil with well-decomposed compost when planting. Young trees benefit from a balanced fertilizer application in spring during the first three years. When mature, a well-established tree generally doesn't need fertilizer.
Pruning and structure
The paulownia requires no regular pruning; let it develop its structure naturally. Remove only dead or crossing branches in late winter. To encourage harmonious growth and a more compact form, you can cut back young stems after the first year.
Diseases and pests
This tree is generally robust, but can be attacked by scale insects or aphids in hot, dry conditions. In very humid climates, be careful to avoid water stagnation around the trunk. No major problems reported in temperate regions.
Did you know?
The paulownia is renowned for its extraordinarily rapid growth, gaining up to one meter per year under optimal conditions. In Asia, it has been a symbol of hope and renewal for centuries; in Japan, it's nicknamed 'the princess tree' because its delicate, early flowering marks the arrival of spring. Beware: this invasive tree has naturalized in several regions worldwide, its reproduction being remarkably efficient.
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.