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Empress Tree

Paulownia Tomentosa

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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 5–8Type Tree
Empress Tree (Paulownia Tomentosa) — lavender flowers in the garden

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Medium
USDA zones
5–8

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Tree
Family
Paulowniaceae

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Photos (122)

Empress Tree (Paulownia Tomentosa) — Known for its large heart-shaped leaves and showy; well-drained soils with a pH level between 5.5 and 7.0, image 69
Empress Tree (Paulownia Tomentosa) — tree with lavender blooms
Empress Tree (Paulownia Tomentosa) — with a widespread canopy extending to 30 to 40 feet at maturity; commonly thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5, image 55
Empress Tree (Paulownia Tomentosa) — fragrant lavender blossoms in spring; known for its large heart-shaped leaves and showy, image 92
Empress Tree (Paulownia Tomentosa) — fragrant lavender blossoms in spring; known for its large heart-shaped leaves and showy
Empress Tree (Paulownia Tomentosa) — with a widespread canopy extending to 30 to 40 feet at maturity; commonly thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8
Paulownia Tomentosa
Paulownia Tomentosa
Paulownia Tomentosa
Paulownia Tomentosa
Paulownia Tomentosa
Paulownia Tomentosa
Paulownia Tomentosa
Paulownia Tomentosa
Paulownia Tomentosa
Paulownia Tomentosa
Paulownia Tomentosa
Paulownia Tomentosa
Paulownia Tomentosa
Paulownia Tomentosa
Paulownia Tomentosa
Paulownia Tomentosa
Paulownia Tomentosa
Paulownia Tomentosa
Photographs by 5 contributors

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