The Plant Guide

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Empress tree

Paulownia tomentosa

pawl-OH-nee-ah toe-men-TOE-sah Audio

This deciduous tree has thick shoots and large, lobed, bright green leaves. Fragrant pinkish lilac flowers appear in late spring with the foliage. When grown as a perennial, its robust shoots become sturdy stems 2 inches in diameter, with mammoth leaves as much as 2 feet across. Paulownia tomentosa can grow to 12 feet tall in a single season.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsThis native of China is naturalized in the eastern U.S. Grown as a large shade tree in milder parts of the country, it can be grown as a perennial, cutting it to the ground each spring. It tolerates polluted and poor soils.

CareGrow in fertile, well-drained soil and full sun. Flowers best in climates with long, hot summers.

PropagationFrom root cuttings in winter.

ProblemsCanker, dieback, powdery mildew, wood rot, and mushroom rot.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

You can fit a variety of blades to this saw to cut fallen branches or prune larger limbs from trees in a pinch. It’s fast, tough, easy to use, and extremely versatile.
- 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length
- Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm
Buy at Amazon

DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw with 6-Piece Saw Blade Set

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

You can fit a variety of blades to this saw to cut fallen branches or prune larger limbs from trees in a pinch. It’s fast, tough, easy to use, and extremely versatile.
- 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length
- Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm
- DW4856 Metal/Woodcutting Reciprocating Saw Blade Set, 6-Piece
Buy at Amazon

Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time.
Buy at Amazon
  • Genus : Paulownia
  • Plant Height : 10 to 15 feet
  • Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
  • Zones : 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Tolerance : Drought Tolerant
  • Moisture : Dry to Medium
  • Growth Rate : Fast
  • Light : Full Sun
  • Flower Color : Pink
  • Characteristics : Showy Foliage
  • Bloom Time : Spring
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
  • Plant Type : Trees

Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members

Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.

Start Free Trial

Already a member?

X

Related Plants

Related Articles

More From the Plant Guide

Search our database of 1738 Plants

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Fine Gardening Magazine

Fine Gardening – Issue 221
Tips for Upcycling Garden Trash into Useful Tools
Fine Gardening – Issue 220
End-of-Season Regrets | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening – Issue 219
All Gardens Have Teachable Moments | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening – Issue 218
Gardening Against All Odds | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening

Follow

Newsletter

Membership & Magazine

Taunton Network

© 2024 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.