Some call it princess tree, or empress tree, some call it simply paulownia, but royal paulownia really is very nice looking, incredibly fast growing tree. The plant originates from China, and has attractive, long, heart-shaped leaves. It is highly adaptable to various conditions, resistant and healthy.
The tree is straight, thin, with beautiful rounded crown of clumsy branches covered with large leaves, up to 12 inches long. Dark green foliage looks very attractive. It will reach approximately 50 feet, maybe more. Trees are especially attractive in mid spring, with large clusters of fragrant, up to 2 inches long lavender flowers.
Twigs are light brown, with numerous lenticels. Bark is brown and thin, interlaced with shiny areas. Dry brown capsules of fruits are full of tiny winged seeds, settled in four compartments. In autumn, capsule opens releasing the seeds, but it remains on the twig all winter.
Royal paulownias are recognized as aggressive ornamental trees, thanks to the fact they really can survive in any environment, rapidly growing and reproducing. Even if the whole area has very low quality soil, maybe acidic or destroyed by different pests, this plant will find the way to survive. Sometimes it might be difficult to control it.
Reproducing is simple and effective, using seeds or root sprouts. Plants grown from root sprouts will grow even more rapidly, up to 15 feet a year. Seeds will travel very far to find their new home, and you can often see those plants all around in some states. Old trees grow slower, but still maybe 10 feet a year.
The wood is highly appreciated in Japan, straw colored and light. It is resistant to fire, cracking and splitting, and has very good insulation characteristics. For plantation planting, people usually choose tissue culture cloned plants, to make sure all their future plants will have the same characteristics.
Paulownias make beautiful, fast growing shade. If you plant them in one single row, leave at least 12 feet between them. For commercial growing, 16 to 20 feet between plants is required. Considering the fact their roots are very long, it would be a good idea to plant them at least 10 feet away from your buildings or driveways.
If you want to have those very large leaves on your plant, cut it to the ground early in spring. It will grow back very fast, and reach 15 feet this very season. Older plants have smaller leaves, but this technique will stimulate the growth and form your tree.
Animals can eat those leaves, they are perfectly harmless. In some areas people are using them the same way as hay. They can also be used for very nutritive mulch, because they are fast dissolving and very useful as soil enrichment.
Attractive royal paulownia will catch your attention, especially if you see it full of those lovely lavender flowers. Nevertheless, it is quite invasive, and you will have some work to do to keep it under control. It will grow in different conditions, although it prefer sandy, drained soils.
When looking for a decorative and easy-to-grow tree, check out the Royal Paulownia at our website here at www.paulowniaseed.com today. You can learn more about growing conditions and sizes at http://www.paulowniaseed.com now.
How To Grow Royal Paulownia
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