Is it a good tree for a small garden?

No, it grows far too large and fast for most residential spaces.

Does it need a lot of water?

It prefers consistent moisture but is quite adaptable once established.

Plant guide

Princess tree.

Paulownia tomentosa

Pronounced paw-LOH-nee-uh toh-men-TOH-suh

Also known as Foxglove-Tree, Karri tree, Princess tree, Royal Paulownia, chinese empress tree, empresstree

The princess tree is a fast growing deciduous tree known for its massive, heart shaped leaves and fragrant, trumpet shaped flowers. It produces beautiful clusters of violet blooms in the spring before the foliage fully emerges. This tree is quite adaptable but can be invasive in certain regions.

Another photo of Princess tree — Photo by Daniel K (CC BY) via gbif

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous tree
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 30 to 50 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 5 to 9
Bloom time: Mid to late spring

Care

Plant your tree in a spot with plenty of room to accommodate its rapid growth. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves which can indicate poor drainage or nutrient issues. Pruning helps maintain a tidy shape and encourages better flowering.

Watering: Water deeply during dry spells to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer once in early spring to support vigorous growth.
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead wood and shape the canopy.
Repotting: Repot young trees only if they become root bound in their containers.
Soil: Well draining, fertile soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 8.0
Temperature: -20 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 30 to 50 years.
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the soil without soaking in.

Safety

People: The leaves and fruit are generally considered non-toxic, but ingestion is not recommended.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The large, brittle branches can break easily, posing a risk to children climbing the tree.
Contact allergens: The fuzzy hairs on the leaves and stems can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The abundant pollen produced in spring can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Edibility: The plant is not considered edible and should be avoided for consumption.

How to identify it

Large, fuzzy heart shaped leaves
Clusters of fragrant violet flowers
Woody, egg shaped seed capsules
Stout, hairy young branches

Height: 8 to 15m
Spread: 6 to 10m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: lavender, violet, 4 to 6cm
Fruit: brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

Leaf SpotCommon
Powdery MildewCommon
CankerUncommon
Root RotUncommon
Verticillium WiltRare

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, root cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Young trees may need protection from severe frost, but mature specimens are generally hardy.
In containers: It is not suitable for containers due to its massive size and aggressive root system.

Seed

1. Collect dry seed pods in autumn.
2. Sow seeds on the surface of moist, well-draining soil.
3. Keep in a warm, bright spot until germination occurs.

Plant shade-loving perennials beneath the canopy to make use of the space created by its large leaves.

Grows well with

Hostas — They thrive in the dappled shade provided by the large canopy.
Ferns — They appreciate the moist, sheltered conditions under the tree.

Similar species

Catalpa — It has similar large leaves and showy flowers but a different growth habit.

Science

Family: Paulowniaceae
Genus: Paulownia
Order: Lamiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Central and western China.
Conservation: It is considered an invasive species in many parts of North America and should be planted with extreme caution.

It is a pioneer species that quickly colonizes disturbed soil and open areas.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees
Uses: ornamental, timber production, shade tree

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 6/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is it a good tree for a small garden?: No, it grows far too large and fast for most residential spaces.
Does it need a lot of water?: It prefers consistent moisture but is quite adaptable once established.

Where the name comes from

The genus honors Anna Pavlovna, a Russian princess, while the species name refers to the dense, woolly hairs on the leaves.

Good to know

The wood is highly prized in Japan for making traditional musical instruments.
It is often called the Empress tree in honor of a Dutch princess.
The seeds are tiny and winged, allowing them to travel long distances on the wind.
It can resprout vigorously from the roots even after being cut down.

Keep your princess tree growing

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.