Woolly Paulownia

The species Paulownia is named after Anna Pavlovna, daughter of the Russian tsar Paul and wife of King William II of the Netherlands.

Native range: It grows in the Far East and Southeast Asia: China (Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Hubei, Jiangxi, Sichuan, Yunnan), Taiwan, Laos, Vietnam.

Deciduous tree 15–20 m tall, with a large spreading, rounded or ovoid crown; large, broad leaves up to 20 cm long (on vigorously growing shoots even up to 50 cm), cordate or ovate in shape, pubescent above, woolly beneath, on long petioles. Leaves unfold late and fall late.

Large, up to 6 cm in diameter, pale violet, fragrant flowers are borne in terminal panicle inflorescences up to 30 cm long. Buds are formed at the end of summer, overwinter and open in the spring of the following year, before or during leaf expansion.

Fruits — broadly ovoid capsules with numerous winged seeds that remain on the tree throughout the winter. Begins to fruit at 4–5 years of age.

Fairly frost-hardy, but sap flow begins early, so it can be damaged by late frosts; old specimens with well-wooded trunks tolerate frosts down to -28° C. Thermophilic, requires a sheltered location, tolerant of urban conditions, withstands periods of summer drought, resistant to smoke and gas pollution. Usually propagated by root suckers and by seeds, which lose viability after six months. It can also be propagated by root suckers and by green cuttings. Very striking with abundant bluish-purple flowers and large foliage, making it one of the most beautiful trees planted on lawns and streets in the far south of Russia and Ukraine. In cultivation since 1834.

Soil: Not demanding, grows well on all but very poor soils, prefers dry, fresh, well-drained soils, from slightly acidic to strongly alkaline. On excessively fertile, deep, wet soils the wood does not mature well.

Uses: A valuable ornamental and park tree for cultivation in regions with warm, humid climates.

Paulownia wood is light and soft; in China and Japan it is used to make musical instruments, furniture, small crafts, and cutting boards with unique properties.

Grows well in southern Ukraine and in Crimea. In the northern regions of Ukraine it may suffer from frost.