Princess Tree - Tree

Paulownia tomentosa is a small tree that grows best in the garden. Make sure that the root ball of the princess tree is moistened well, by soaking it in a bucket of lukewarm water. Prepare a large planting hole 50 x 50 x 50 cm (preferably even bigger) and loosen the soil. Put the root ball of the Paulownia tomentosa at the right depth in the planting hole. The top of the root ball should be just below the ground level. Beside the root ball place a sturdy ground stake set deeply into the soil. Attach a tree belt around the stake and the trunk. Fill the planting hole with soil and press firmly. Water generously immediately after planting. Paulownia tomentosa grows well in fertile garden soil, not too dry. Improve poor garden soil by adding compost and garden manure. Choose a sheltered spot in full sun.

The Paulownia tree is one of the most stunning trees. The tree's most striking feature is that the flowers develop before the leaves. These wonderfully fragrant, trumpet-shaped lavender-blue flowers grow on the bare branches shortly after winter. After the flowering period, the crisp green, oval leaves subsequently appear. Especially in a warm, dry summer a lot of flowers will appear. As of June, large clusters of seeds appear above the leaves. The heart-shaped leaves are large, up to 30 cm long. Paulownia reminds you of the Catalpa. Over time, the Paulownia reaches a height approximately 5 metres high. This magnificent tree is named after the daughter of Tsar Paul 1, Anna Paulowna Romanov who lived from 1795 until 1865. She married king Willem II and regarded Paulownia as her favourite tree.

Paulownia tomentosa requires extra water during dry periods, especially in the first year after planting. Remove the lower branches of young trees in June (crowning). This way you will have a much longer trunk. Prune dead branches back in the spring. Mature trees do not need further pruning. Strong pruning can sometimes be tolerated, but the flowers won’t bloom in that year. Every winter apply a mulch layer of compost and granulated cow manure.