Paulownia fortunei Fast Blue ('Minfast')
paulownia [Fast Blue]
A fast-growing tree with a pyramidal habit reaching to 8m tall. Large, ovate to heart-shaped leaves have hairy undersides and are up to 20cm across. Upright panicles of fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers are borne in spring and are lilac-blue outside and creamy-white inside with a yellow throat
Synonyms
Paulownia fortunei 'Minfast'Paulownia tomentosa 'Fast Blue'
see morePaulownia fortunei 'Fast Blue'
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Purple Cream White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Paulowniaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- 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
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Protect flower buds and young growth of small plants from hard frosts by growing in a sheltered position. Grow for foliage effect only by cutting back young shoots hard in spring which results in production of very large leaves up to 60cm across
Propagation
Propagate by root cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 1 or Pruning group 7 for foliage effect
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
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