Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

The foxglove or empress tree, Paulownia tomentosa, is a deciduous, fast-growing tree native to China. It's primarily grown for its giant leaves and panicles of foxglove-shaped blooms.

If left unpruned, the foxglove tree will quickly grow to form an attractive tree. However, the biggest leaves result from pruning it to the ground each year, in late winter. The result is strong, vigorous growth with huge leaves. As it flowers on wood grown the previous year, plants pruned each year won't produce flowers.

For best results, grow Paulownia tomentosa in full sun or dappled shade in a sheltered spot in moist, well-drained soil, though it'll grow well in most soils.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyesyesyesyesyes
Plantyesyesyesyes
Flowersyes
Pruneyes

Paulownia and wildlife

Paulownia has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Paulownia poisonous?

Paulownia has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Plants that go well with Paulownia tomentosa
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