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.
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- 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
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