Empress Tree

Paulownia Tomentosa

Overview

The Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa), thrives in zones 5-9, and is a rapid-growing, deciduous choice, reaching up to 40-50 ft tall with a spread of 30-40 ft. Known for its large heart-shaped leaves and showy, fragrant lavender blossoms in spring, this tree prefers full sun. It is adaptable but favors well-drained soils. Requires space and light pruning to control its size and avoid self-seeding, as it can become invasive.

Sun FullWater MediumZones 5–8

Empress Tree (Paulownia Tomentosa) — It is adaptable but favors well-drained soils

Culture

Sun: Full
Water: Medium
USDA zones: 5–8

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Paulowniaceae

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Photos (102)

Empress Tree (Paulownia Tomentosa) — It is adaptable but favors well-drained soils; this species prefers moist, image 94

Empress Tree (Paulownia Tomentosa) — This deciduous tree can soar to heights ranging from 30 to 50 feet; the Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa), image 98

Empress Tree (Paulownia Tomentosa) — with a widespread canopy extending to 30 to 40 feet at maturity; commonly thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5, image 99

Empress Tree (Paulownia Tomentosa) — with sizes ranging from 5 to 12 inches across; requires space and light pruning to control its size and avoid, image 102

Empress Tree (Paulownia Tomentosa) — showy lavender flowers that blossom in spring; offering a dense canopy that provides ample shade in the summer, image 100

Empress Tree (Paulownia Tomentosa) — often before the heart-shaped leaves unfurl; tree for full, image 101