Also known as Empress Tree · Foxglove-Tree · Karri Tree
Princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa) is a fast-growing deciduous tree with large, heart-shaped leaves and showy, trumpet-shaped purple flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers full sun for best growth and flowering. Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially when young or during dry spells.
Well-drained, fertile
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 4-9. Prefers moderate temperatures for optimal growth; can tolerate heat and some cold.
Low
25% intensity
Requires minimal fertilizer once established. Feed young trees annually in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during the first few years and dry periods. Ensure soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter.
Mature trees are more drought-tolerant once established, but benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged heat.
Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Can be heavily pruned to encourage vigorous new growth and larger leaves, or lightly shaped to maintain form.
For the dramatic large-leaf effect, cut back hard annually.
Easily propagated from seed, which requires stratification (cold treatment) before sowing. Can also be propagated from cuttings, typically semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer.
Layering is another effective method for creating new plants.
Young trees benefit from repotting every 1-2 years to refresh soil and provide more space for root growth. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Mature trees generally do not require repotting unless grown in containers, in which case, repot when root-bound.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Princess Tree (Paulownia tomentosa)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Paulowniaceae |
| Genus | Paulownia |
| Species | Paulownia tomentosa |
Similar in genus Paulownia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
