Princess Tree

paulownia tomentosa

Also known as: ["Empress Tree","Foxglove Tree"]

Family: Paulowniaceae Genus: Paulownia Category: Trees

Overview

A fast-growing deciduous tree known for its large, heart-shaped leaves and showy, fragrant purple flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["fast growing","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Paulowniaceae
Genus: Paulownia
Botanical Name: Paulownia tomentosa

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Trees
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden, adaptable to various landscapes
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–10 to 40°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter. Tolerates poor soils but thrives with amendments.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and size control.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may grow less vigorously.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually over 1–2 weeks. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates to prevent scorching. Outdoor placement is ideal for optimal growth.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering or poor drainage), stunted growth (nutrient deficiency or compacted soil), or root rot (foul smell, mushy roots).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; maximize direct sun exposure.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Soil

well-drained, fertile loam

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.

Temperature

Thrives in warm climates (65–85°F or 18–29°C). Tolerates mild frosts but prefers temperatures above 50°F (10°C).

Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation; adjust watering with temperature fluctuations.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize sparingly to avoid excessive growth; avoid late-season fertilization to prevent frost damage; water before and after application.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seeds. Stem cuttings are more reliable for cloning specific traits.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Apply rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C), and indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots develop in 4–6 weeks; establishment takes 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning, heading back, and removal of crossing branches.

Pruning Plan

Shape the tree, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage strong branching structure.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood; shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter for young plants; mature trees may stay in the same container with soil top-up.

Method

Remove plant carefully; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with improved drainage.

Suggestions

Repot young plants every 2–3 years to refresh soil and accommodate growth. Mature trees rarely need repotting.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water thoroughly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches. Allow excess water to drain freely and avoid wetting foliage to minimize fungal issues.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots while conserving moisture.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once per week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or leaf drop in extreme cold; wilting or scorched leaves in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts below 50°F (10°C). Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage or kill young plants.

Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; provide frost cloth protection in winter; plant in sheltered locations.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch in prolonged heat above 90°F (32°C), especially with inadequate water.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; dilute as needed; avoid over-fertilization.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer during active growth (spring/summer) at half the recommended strength.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Paulownia tomentosa can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, pests, or diseases, potentially affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Paulownia tomentosa may result from water stress, root damage, or pest infestations, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Paulownia tomentosa are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Paulownia tomentosa due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, causing decay and potentially plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume Paulownia tomentosa seeds or bark. The effects are typically not severe but should be monitored.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea loss of appetite
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds bark
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep cats away from the plant. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Paulownia tomentosa seeds and bark may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxic compounds are not highly potent but can cause discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds bark
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent dogs from chewing or ingesting parts of the plant. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Paulownia tomentosa contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds bark
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of seeds and bark. Keep away from children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Paulownia tomentosa invasive?

A: Yes, it is considered invasive in many regions due to its rapid growth and prolific seed production.

Q: How tall does the Princess Tree grow?

A: It can grow up to 40-60 feet tall in ideal conditions.

Q: Does it require much care?

A: It is relatively low maintenance once established, though it may need pruning to control its spread.

Quick Reference
Family: Paulowniaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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