Paulownia Elongata

Description

Paulownia Elongata, also known as the Royal Paulownia or Empress Tree, is a deciduous tree native to China. It belongs to the Paulowniaceae family and is widely cultivated for its fast-growing, durable, and lightweight timber. The tree can reach up to 20-30 meters in height, with a straight and cylindrical trunk. It has large, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 40 cm long and produce clusters of fragrant, violet-blue flowers in the spring.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Paulownia Elongata has a distinct appearance that makes it easy to identify. Its leaves are large, heart-shaped, and bright green, with a velvety texture on the underside. The trunk is smooth and grayish-brown, with deep furrows and fissures as it ages. The bark of young trees is often a lighter shade of brown and more uniform in texture.

Care Guide

Paulownia Elongata is a relatively low-maintenance tree, but it requires some care to thrive. Here are some tips on how to keep it healthy:

• Water: Water the tree regularly, especially during the first few years after planting. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote growth and flowering.
• Soil: The tree prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
• Sunlight: Plant the tree in a sunny location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Hardiness Zones: Paulownia Elongata is hardy in USDA zones 5-9, but it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and climates.

Common Pests & Diseases

Paulownia Elongata is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by some common problems:

• Root rot: Caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in wet soil, leading to yellowing leaves, wilting, and death of the tree. Avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage to prevent root rot.
• Canker: A fungal disease that causes sunken lesions on the bark and can lead to stunted growth and dieback. Prune affected branches and dispose of them properly to prevent the spread of the disease.
• Borers: Insect pests that bore into the trunk and branches, causing damage and weakening the tree. Use insecticides or tree wraps to protect against borers.

Habitat

Paulownia Elongata is native to China and is widely cultivated in Asia, Europe, and North America. It prefers warm, humid climates with well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and rainfall. The tree is often planted for its timber, which is used in construction, furniture, and paper production.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Paulownia Elongata a fast-growing tree?

A: Yes, Paulownia Elongata is known for its fast growth rate, and it can reach maturity in as little as five years.

Q: Can Paulownia Elongata be grown in containers?

A: While it is possible to grow Paulownia Elongata in containers, it is not recommended as the tree can grow quite large and requires a lot of space and nutrients to thrive.

Q: What is the best time to plant Paulownia Elongata?

A: The best time to plant Paulownia Elongata is in the spring, after the last frost, or in the fall, before the first frost.

Q: Can Paulownia Elongata be propagated from cuttings?

A: Yes, Paulownia Elongata can be propagated from hardwood cuttings taken in the winter or early spring.

Related Plants

• Paulownia Tomentosa
• Paulownia Fortunei
• Paulownia Kawakamii

References

• “Paulownia elongata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286141
• “Empress Tree: Paulownia tomentosa.” Plant Guide. United States Department of Agriculture. https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_pato2.pdf
• “Growing Empress Trees (Paulownia) for Profit.” Profitable Plants Digest. https://www.profitableplantsdigest.com/growing-empress-trees-paulownia-for-profit/