Paulownia - The Chinese Empress Tree

In short: Paulownia tomentosa is a fast-growing ornamental tree from China that reaches 10–15 m and flowers in May and June with fragrant, purple-tinted blossoms. Once fully rooted it tolerates -17 °C, briefly even -27 °C. Sow the seeds in May, overwinter young plants frost-free and plant them out in the second or third year.

Paulownia tomentosa (Princess Tree, Empress Tree, Paulownia tomentosa) is a decorative tree originating from China. It was planted in the imperial court in the hope that the legendary phoenix would perch on it and bring good fortune to the ruling family.

Since Paulownia tomentosa is a symbol of femininity, it was also planted when a baby girl was born. When the girl was to be married, her dowry was made from wood of "her" paulownia.

These trees are grown mainly for their magnificent flower clusters and large unusual leaves. Recently, however, the possible use of paulownias for wood production and biomass is also being explored. They grow very quickly (faster than the currently used poplars) and the wood is of very high quality, with low water content.

Paulownia tomentosa as a decorative garden element

Paulownias reach a height of 10 - 15 m, flowering in May and June with large purple-tinted flowers. Their color can range from almost white through pink to deep blue-violet and they also have a beautiful fragrance.

Only after flowering does the plant develop large, bright green leaves. These are also very decorative, both in their appearance and their size. They can reach 30 - 50 cm.

The trunk is straight and smooth.

Paulownia can also be used to shade a plot or as a honey plant. It can also be grown as a potted plant in a container, which must be moved to a frost-free room for winter.

Paulownia wood

Although paulownias grow very quickly, their wood is of very high quality. It is valued mainly for its low water content (10-12%), thanks to which it does not change shape during drying, and at the same time it is very lightweight.

Paulownia wood is used to make musical instruments, in construction, furniture making, for the production of skis, boats, ultralight aircraft and many others. This wood does not absorb water, contains almost no resin and thanks to its tannin content is resistant to woodworm.

Paulownia wood is also valued by carvers, as it is sufficiently soft and contains almost no knots.

This plant regenerates very easily, so if you cut it down and leave the stump in place, it will grow back before long.

Leaves

Paulownia tomentosa has truly enormous, interestingly shaped leaves that fall in autumn. They are densely hairy on the underside, which is how paulownia got its epithet "tomentosa" (meaning woolly or downy).

Besides decoration, they have other uses. Thanks to their large surface area, the plant is able to grow incredibly fast. They can be used as valuable animal feed (in nutritional value they are similar to alfalfa). At the same time, they are usable in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries thanks to their healing properties.

Medicinal Effects of Paulownia

Paulownia has long been known in Asia for its medicinal properties. Primarily the leaves and honey from its flowers are used.

Leaves are beneficial for treating gallbladder, liver and kidney diseases. They have a taste reminiscent of vanilla. They are also added to cosmetic preparations.

Honey from paulownia is very tasty. In addition, it can be used for treating bronchitis and other respiratory diseases, supports metabolism and digestive processes and, like the leaves, has a beneficial effect on the liver and gallbladder.

Fruits

Paulownia fruits are initially green and sticky, later turning brown and splitting open. They contain large quantities of tiny light seeds, which due to their fineness were used as protection for fragile goods during transport.

Growing Paulownia

Paulownia is not particularly demanding regarding soil conditions and moisture. It thrives mainly in warmer areas in full sun. When fully rooted, it tolerates temperatures of -17°C without problems and briefly even -27°C. The soil can be very poor.

Sowing Seeds:

We sow paulownia in spring (May) in a pot. A suitable substrate for sowing and propagation is recommended, one that doesn't contain overly aggressive fertilizers. Keep it moist. Seedlings grow relatively quickly, so it's better to use a separate pot for each seed.

Planting:

In the first year, the plant needs to overwinter in a frost-free room. Only in the second or third year, when the stem becomes woody, is it possible to plant paulownia outside. Even then, it's advisable to cover the tree for the first few winters.

Care in Subsequent Years:

If paulownia has sufficient light and warmth, it grows very quickly and begins flowering in the 4th - 8th year. Even before that, it beautifies the garden with its leaves. However, in cold conditions it flowers little or not at all.

If you desire flowers, don't prune the tree. Flower buds form in autumn, so pruning or excessive frost would destroy them. Flowering will also be promoted by applying flowering fertilizer.

If you're growing the plant for its leaves, pruning in early spring is a good idea. Pruning encourages the formation of new shoots and leaves. Paulownia tolerates even very deep pruning and readily regrows.

Fertilizing is not essential for paulownia, but will certainly benefit it. Suitable is the application of slow-release fertilizers at planting and in spring, or supplementary feeding with liquid fertilizers for deciduous or flowering woody plants.