Description
Paulownia –
There are 6-17 species, some fast growing, deciduous trees in this genus. They are found in woodlands in Eastern Asia. They produce thick shoots and usually large, hairy, opposite, heart or 3 to 5 lobed, mid or yellow green leaves. The flower buds are formed in autumn, and open, before the opposite, large leaves appear, to bell or trumpet shaped, foxglove like flowers, borne in terminal panicles. Grown for their showy flowers, they make spectacular specimen trees. They grow and flower best in climates with long, hot summers. They may be grown coppiced or pollarded, which will produce very large, ornamental leaves.
Grow in moderately fertile, well drained soil in full sun with adequate summer water. Where not hardy, shelter from cold, drying winds. Flower buds will be killed during hard winter.
Prone to canker, dieback, powdery mildew, wood rot, and mushroom root rot.
P. fortunei – Powton -This broadly columnar tree from China and Taiwan grows 25-40′ feet tall and wide. It produces broad oval, mid green leaves to 8″ long and ½’ wide, glossy above and densely hairy undersides with noticeable veins, and the leaves turn dull yellow in autumn. In late spring it bears fragrant, bell shaped flowers, to 4″ long and 3″ broad at the mouth, pale purple outside and creamy white with purple spots inside, are held in upright panicles.
Zones 5-8
