Princess Tree

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 Princess Tree a Species of Paulownia

Princess Tree a Species of Paulownia

Common Name:

  • Kirii tree
  • Paulownia
  • Royal paulownia
  • Foxglove tree


Botanical Name:

Paulownia tomentosa

  Name Story:

Princess tree:

In the past traditions, especially in Japan, when a female baby was born, a Paulownia tomentosa must be planted. When the girl grew up and got married, the tree would be logged to make wooden furniture to serve as a dowry to accompany her for the rest of her life. As every girl is their father's little princess in heart and this tree follows along with her life, it is called the princess tree.

  Scientific classification:

Genus:

Paulownia - Paulownia

Family:

Paulowniaceae - Foxglove tree

Order:

Lamiales - Mints plantains olives and allies

Class:

Magnoliopsida - Dicotyledons, Dicots, Eudicots

Phylum:

Tracheophyta - Vascular plants, Seed plants, Ferns, Tracheophytes

Information:

Princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa) is a deciduous fast-growing tree native to East Asia. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental because of its favorable growing qualities and big clusters of showy purple flowers. Due to its fast-growth, vigor, and adaptability, princess tree has become an invasive species in certain countries.


Attract Birds:

Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to the princess tree due to the brightly colored tubular blooms that it produces, as these provide easy access to an ample supply of the nectar they consume.


Interesting Facts:

Chinese porcelain exporters in the 19th century used princess tree seeds as packing materials because the seeds are soft and lightweight. Due to the widespread use of these seeds as packing materials, they became scattering along product transportation routes and train tracks when packages would split open. This phenomenon contributed to the far ranging distribution of princess tree.

Characteristics:

Plant Type:  Tree

Lifespan:  Perennial

Bloom Time:  Spring

Plant Height:  33 to 82 feet

Spread:  30 to 40 feet

Flower Size:  0.6 to 0.8 inch

Habitat:  Woods

Flower Color:  Purple, Pink, Blue, Violet, White, Lavender

Leaf Color:  Green

Fruit Color:  Brown, Green

Stem Color:  Green, Silver


Conditions Requirement:

Difficulty Rating:

Princess tree is super easy to take care of, with resistance to almost all pests and diseases. It is a perfect option for gardeners with brown thumbs.

Sunlight:

Full sun, Partial sun

Hardiness:

-15 ℉

Hardiness Zones:

9 to 11

Soil:

Chalky, loam, clay, sand; well drained; slightly acidic, neutral, slightly alkaline


Care Guide:

Water:

It is important to water Empress tree often and heavily for the first month or so after planting. After this, the tree is self-sufficient in its water needs and should only require supplementary watering in extended dry periods. If the soil dries out, the plant should be watered.

Fertilization:

Fertilization once every 2-3 months during the growing season.

Pruning:

Trim the diseased, withered leaves once a month.

Planting Time:

Autumn, Wnter, Spring

Harvest Time:

Early autumn, Mid autumn

Propagation:

Cutting, Layering


Plant Distribution:

  • Princess tree is native to China and invasive in the United States. 
  • It is found in disturbed areas, including forests, roadsides, and stream banks.
  •  This tree grows aggressively in disturbed areas, preventing native vegetation from reestablishing.
  •  It is tolerant of high soil acidity and drought and grows in a variety of soil types. 
  • Thousands of seeds are produced each year which germinate and grow easily.
  •  All of these factors make it easy to spread and reduce the biodiversity of these habitats. 
  • Princess tree was purposely introduced in Europe and South America as a fast-growing source of timber. 
  • This may lead to it becoming an invasive species in these regions soon.


Uses:

Garden Use:

The beautiful pink blossoms of princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa) make it a popular choice for a specimen tree. Good color companions for this tree include French pussy willow, corkscrew hazel, and autumn blaze maple. It makes a good ornamental tree for larger gardens and parks and its large leaves suit modern architectural style gardens.


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