Paulownia MYSTERY - Paulownia CATALPIFOLIA or KAWAKAMII

Paulownia CATALPIFOLIA or KAWAKAMII

CATALPIFLORA

• Scientific name : Paulownia catalpifolia T. Gong ex D.Y. Hong. 

• Common name : Empress Tree (in some French-speaking catalogs) 

• Origin : Shandong Province (China) 

• Mature height : Approximately 15 to 20 m depending on conditions. 

• Leaves : Large heart-shaped or nearly cordate leaves, sometimes narrower than in other species of the genus.

• Flowering : Pale purple to lavender tubular flowers, in clusters in spring before or with the appearance of foliage. 

• Soil & exposure : Full sun preferably, well-drained, fertile soil.

• Hardiness / cold tolerance : Able to tolerate up to approximately -20 °C or a little more in some cases. 

• Uses : Ornamental tree, also cultivated for its wood (industrial use in some parts of China) 

Strengths

• Fairly fast growth, good visual impact thanks to large leaves and flowering.

• Strong ornamental interest for a garden or park.

• Light wood but valued in some industrial uses.

To watch out for

• Despite its hardiness, it appreciates good shelter from strong winds, especially when young (large leaves can be vulnerable).

• Well-drained soil is essential to avoid waterlogging.

• Like any fast-growing tree, allow sufficient space for development.

KAWAKAMII

• Scientific name : Paulownia kawakamii T.Itô. 

• Common name : “Sapphire Dragon Tree.” 

• Origin : China (provinces like Fujian, Guangdong, etc.), Taiwan. 

• Mature size : Approximately 8 to 12 m tall in gardens, spreading crown. 

• Foliage : Heart-shaped to slightly oval, shiny leaves. 

• Flowering : In spring, before or at the same time as the appearance of leaves, panicles of mauve/lilac tubular flowers. 

• Soil & Exposure : Full sun or partial shade, well-drained soil. Tolerant of a wide range of soils. 

• Hardiness / climate : Zones approximately USDA 7b-8 according to some sources. 

• Uses : Ornamental tree for its decorative foliage and flowering, suitable for gardens. 

✔️ Advantages

• Remarkable and unusual flowering for trees in temperate climates.

• Decorative foliage, tree with strong visual presence.

• Fairly fast growth for an ornamental tree.

⚠️ To watch out for

• Hardy but not as much as some more resistant species – in very cold climates, protection or a sheltered location will be needed.

• Like many Paulownia, space is required for its development.