Paulownia kawakamii
A deciduous tree to about 10m with large heart-shaped green leaves. Its flowers develop in autumn and spend the winter as fuzzy golden brown buds. They open just before the leaves in spring in large clusters of mauve, tubular fragrant flowers which then become brown woody seed capsules
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Cream | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Gold Brown | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Paulowniaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched, Columnar upright
- Genus
Paulownia are deciduous trees with large, ovate leaves and erect panicles of foxglove-like flowers in spring; they can also be coppiced for extra-large leaves at expense of flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China, Taiwan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moist, fertile soil with some shelter. Protect young trees from frost. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution. For more advice see tree cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed. Seed germinates best if exposed to light. For more advice see propagate from seed (tree/shrub. Seedlings must be protected from frost. Alternatively, propagate by semi-ripe cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
Pruning
Pruning group 1 or pruning group 7 if pollarding to encourage very large leaves
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
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