Blue or violet panicles of flowers up to 40 centimeters long in spring, followed later by huge heart-shaped leaves - a blue bell tree is really impressive. Buying a large paulownia is a real investment, but seedlings can be found quite cheaply.

The paulownia is planted in spring

Where can I get quality seedlings from?

You can get high-quality bluebell trees in pots or in containers from a well-stocked garden center or tree nursery. Young plants are also offered on the Internet. However, the price and size of the seedlings can vary significantly. The price differences are also due to the quality and type of paulownia. So make sure you use the correct botanical name. The Chinese bluebell tree is traded as Paulownia tomentosa.

When and how do I plant a bluebell tree?

The ideal time to plant a Paulownia tomentosa is spring after the ice saints. The tree is hardy only when it is old. You may keep it in the bucket for the first year. Then find a sufficiently large place for this fast-growing tree. It should be sunny, warm and sheltered from the wind.

Dig a planting hole twice the size of the root ball. If the soil is loamy and heavy, loosen it up with some sand. If the soil is too acidic, you can adjust it with appropriate fertilizer. Plant your bluebell tree as deep in the ground as it was in the pot/container and water it well.

How do I care for Paulownia seedlings?

A young, freshly planted paulownia needs regular watering. Later, its roots reach deep enough for it to be self-sufficient. In the first winters you should treat the tree to winter protection. Otherwise the young shoots threaten to freeze to death. Overwintering in a greenhouse or conservatory is recommended.

The essentials in brief:

  • best planting time: spring
  • sensitive to frost
  • Planting out only recommended at the age of 1 to 2 years (rough area: 3 to 4 years)
  • Location: warm, bright and sheltered from the wind
  • Soil: dry to slightly moist, well drained, rich in nutrients
  • best time for cuttings: autumn

tips

You get seedlings in different sizes, the smaller they are the cheaper, but the plants are also more sensitive.

Category:

Trees