In the trade you will find the blue bell tree (bot. Paulownia tomentosa) as a hardy plant. Depending on the species, it tolerates more or less frost. However, this only applies to an older tree and neither to young shoots nor to the sensitive buds.
Older bluebell trees cope well with frost
If your blue bell tree has bloomed profusely and developed plenty of fruit capsules, these capsules fall off in spring and the seeds germinate all by themselves. However, these seedlings are very sensitive to frost and usually freeze to death in the first winter without protection. They can only survive in a very mild area (wine-growing area).
How do I take care of my blue bell tree in winter?
In order for your blue bell tree to be in full bloom next spring, the buds that were planted in autumn need a mild climate or winter protection. Cold frosty east winds freeze them very easily. So the Paulownia is not easy to care for. Even if the tree does not show any autumn colors, it will lose its leaves, this is quite normal and nothing to worry about.
You should always protect the roots of a bluebell tree from frost in a harsh area, even if it is a bit older. You can easily do this with a thick layer of leaves or straw.
You may also protect the trunk by wrapping it with fleece, jute or an old blanket. If the blue bell tree is not too big for it, then pull a film or fleece over the whole tree so that the flowers and young shoots cannot freeze.
How do I overwinter a young bluebell tree?
At least in the first winter you should bring your small blue bell tree to a frost-free winter quarters, only the woody shoots tolerate the cold. Therefore, it makes sense to plant the tree in a tub and only place it in a wind-protected place in the garden in the third or fourth year.
The essentials in brief:
- older trees hardy, light winter protection may be needed
- Winter young plants better frost-free
- young shoots and buds very sensitive to frost
tips
In an area with severe frosts or frequent late frosts, the blue bell tree is often difficult to get into bloom. If the sensitive buds freeze off, only a frost-free hibernation will help.