Paulownia Elongata
Paulownia Elongata
Princess Tree, Empress Tree
Paulownia elongata, commonly known as the Empress Tree or Princess Tree, is one of the fastest-growing deciduous trees in the world. Valued for its rapid growth, large heart-shaped leaves and breathtaking display of fragrant lavender-purple flowers, it makes a stunning feature tree for larger gardens, lifestyle blocks and shelter plantings.
In early spring, before the leaves emerge, the tree is covered in upright clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers that are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. During summer, the enormous lush green leaves create excellent shade, while in autumn the tree develops attractive golden foliage before becoming dormant for winter.
If you're looking to establish shade quickly or make a bold statement in the landscape, Paulownia elongata is an outstanding choice.
Why You'll Love Paulownia elongata
- One of the fastest-growing deciduous trees available
- Spectacular lavender-purple spring flowers
- Huge heart-shaped leaves create dense summer shade
- Excellent feature or specimen tree
- Attracts bees and pollinators when in flower
- Beautiful golden autumn foliage
- Tolerates a wide range of soil types
- Ideal for large gardens, lifestyle blocks and shelter
- Expected 5 Year Height 10.0 M Width 8.0 M
Is Paulownia Elongata suitable for my garden?
Is Paulownia Elongata suitable for my garden?
Paulownia Elongata is best suited in a position that gets
- Full sun
Paulownia Elongata is
- Wind Tolerant
- Frost Tolerant
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Attracts pollinators
- Fast-growing
- Cold hardy
Paulownia Elongata will thrive in soil that is
- Nutrient rich
- Free draining
- Sandy
How to establish your Paulownia Elongata?
How to establish your Paulownia Elongata?
Plant Paulownia elongata in a full sun position.
For best results:
Choose an open site with plenty of space to develop.
Allow room for the broad mature canopy.
Shelter young trees from strong winds until established.
How to maintain your Paulownia Elongata once established?
How to maintain your Paulownia Elongata once established?
Water deeply once or twice a week during the first growing season, particularly during dry weather.
Once established, Paulownia elongata is reasonably drought tolerant but will perform best with occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods.
For vigorous growth:
Apply compost around the base each spring.
Feed annually with a balanced slow-release tree fertiliser.
Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Keep mulch clear of the trunk.
Minimal pruning is required once the tree has developed its framework.
During winter:
Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches.
Shape young trees if required.
If grown specifically for its enormous foliage, young trees can be coppiced (cut back hard) each winter. This encourages exceptionally large leaves but usually prevents flowering the following spring.
Paulownia elongata is one of the fastest-growing ornamental trees available.
Under ideal growing conditions, young trees may produce 2–4 metres of growth per year during their establishment phase.
Growth naturally slows as the tree matures.
Established trees are highly frost hardy and well suited to most regions of New Zealand.
Young spring growth may be damaged by severe late frosts, but established trees usually recover quickly.
Apply mulch during winter to protect young root systems.
Paulownia elongata is generally a healthy, low-maintenance tree.
To maintain good health:
Ensure excellent drainage.
Avoid waterlogged soils.
Prune only when necessary.
Maintain good airflow around the canopy.
Serious pest or disease problems are uncommon in New Zealand.
Paulownia elongata is ideal for:
Large feature tree plantings
Lifestyle blocks
Rural shelter
Large lawns
Parkland settings
Shade over outdoor entertaining areas
Its rapid growth and broad canopy make it particularly useful where quick landscape impact is desired.
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