Paulownia tomentosa aka Paulownia

Taxonomy

Paulownia tomentosa, also known as princess tree, empress tree, or foxglove-tree, is a deciduous hardwood tree native to central and western China. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach 50 feet in height and 30 feet in width in just 10 years. The leaves of the tree are large, heart-shaped, and can grow up to 16 inches across. They are arranged in opposite pairs on the stem and may be mistaken for those of the catalpa. The very fragrant flowers, which give the tree its common names, bloom in early spring before the leaves appear. The tree is named in honor of Russian Princess Anna Paulowna and is cultivated as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. However, it has become a persistent exotic invasive species in North America and has established itself as a naturalized species in Western and Central Europe. The seeds of the tree disperse readily, making it a fast-spreading species. The tree can tolerate a range of soils but prefers moist, deep, sandy-loam well-drained soil.

Common names

Paulownia, Empress Tree, Foxglove Tree, Foxglovetree, Princesstree

How to care for Paulownia

Difficulty

Paulownia presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Paulownia should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Paulownia loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Paulownia thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Foxglove Tree.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Paulownia to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.


More info:
Wikipedia