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Strictly speaking, the name Paulownia is the name of a plant genus from the blue bell tree family. The best-known species is probably the Paulownia tomentosa, the (Chinese) blue bell tree, it is also called the emperor tree.
The Paulownia elongata has light purple flowers
About seven species of Paulownia are known, and there are also a few hybrids that have been created either through natural crossings or through special breeding. Here the breeders wanted to breed desired properties, for example to improve the wood quality and/or increase frost tolerance. Not all species are equally suitable for the private garden.
What distinguishes a paulownia?
Most types of Paulownia are considered to be quite fast-growing, with the exception of Paulownia catalpifolia. Their flowers are mostly light purple and the wood quality is very good. However, you will rarely find this tree on the market.
As the name suggests, the flowers of the bluebell tree are blue or purple and bell-shaped. They sit on panicles up to 40 centimeters long. In other species of Paulownia, the flower colors vary from white to light blue to violet, and the size of the flowers and panicles also varies.
How do I care for a Paulownia?
Caring for a Paulownia is not complicated, provided you live in a mild area without severe winter frosts. Otherwise the tree will survive the winter, but not its buds. Therefore, you cannot reliably count on regular flowering. The Paulownia needs a warm and bright location.
Horticulturally interesting species of Paulownia:
- Paulownia tomentosa (bluebell tree): the most commonly offered species, approx. 5 cm long light purple flowers in panicles up to 40 cm long
- Paulownia fargesii: flowers white to light blue, unlobed leaves
- Paulownia fortinei: up to 20 m tall, cream-colored flowers 10 cm long, fruit capsules up to 10 cm long
- Paulownia catalpifolia: rarely offered, slow-growing, up to 15 m high, very good wood quality, flowers mostly light purple
- Paulownia elongata: up to 12 m tall, sensitive to wind, light violet to violet flowers in panicles up to 35 cm long
tips
An older bluebell tree is hardy, but young shoots and the buds do not tolerate cold very well and tend to freeze to death.