Princess tree – the most beautiful tree in the world

Paulownia or Paulownia tomentosa is an ornamental tree that comes from China. It is a tree that honours Anna Pavlovna of Russia and the Queen of the Netherlands. It is said that it spreads “contagious” positive energy all around. In addition to its beauty, it is also a source of a hard and resonant wood from which musical instruments are made. When it blooms, the entire tree is covered with purple flowers that spread a sweet scent around.

Growing princess tree

Paulownia loves sunny and warm places. A big advantage is its a rather fast growth. Supposedly, it grows ten times faster than pine. You may grow it from seedlings that you can buy at regular garden centres. Seedlings are usually 10 cm tall. The tree looks good best alone, and a spot in the middle of your garden would be perfect. You may also grow it in a container, and if you do so you may place it at a terrace or on a balcony.

Photo: Pixabay

Caring for paulownia

Paulownia tolerates drought well, but do not count on it. If you want to have a beautiful tree should water regularly. It is also recommended to apply a fertilizer before planting. You may use peat or compost, or mineral fertilizers for leafy plants. Reduce watering and fertilizing in autumn. Nitrogen fertilizers should not be used from mid-August onwards. 

Types of paulownia

• Paulownia tomentosa: It is harder to grow it in our climatic conditions where it can reach a height of no more than 10 m. The crown is wide and very nice during flowering – although in our conditions you see significantly fewer flowers than on trees that grow in China. In some countries, such as in Germany, it is used as a fast-growing biomass, in Eastern Europe it is mainly grown as a decorative tree.
• Paulownia fortunei : this species is considerably less popular.
• Paulownia Shang Tong : a crossbreed between two species – Paulownia fortunei and Paulownia tomantosa. This one grows really fast and is more resistant to diseases, which makes it a very popular tree. It is also resistant to frost and can handle temperatures down to -23 °C.

Frost resistance

The tree is grown in our climatic conditions but frost can destroy young trees or new shoots, so you should cover the tree for the winter with jute fabric for example.

Trimming and pruning

Paulownia tolerates cutting well. With proper pruning, you can control the size of the plant – even stop it from growing. Pruning should be done in spring or summer. The end of summer is the last time you can prune.

Source: https://hobby.instory.cz/1199-jak-pestovat-rychle-rostouci-paulovnie.html

Preview photo: Pixabay