Plants ordered today will begin shipping mid-March 2024
Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa) in a 4-inch-deep pot, Organic [TN, AL, NC, CT no]
$16.00
Family: Figwort (Scrophulariaceae)
Hardy to Zones 6 to 12.
Deciduous tree native to central and western China. This is one of the most impressively large-leaved (elephant ear size) plants that you can grow. The plant commonly increases 15 feet in height in a single year. I let some of them go to full size (to collect the flowers and the seed) and I keep one near the greenhouse cut back so it bushes out hugely each year and provides shade for the transplanters in the summer months. The tree figures strongly in lore and legend, and the poles are useful around the farm for trellising. Traditional usage: manufacture of medicinal grade charcoal. Plant prefers full sun to part shade and a moist soil surface (roots run close to the surface). Please note that these trees tend to be herbaceous (die back to the ground) in the first 2 or 3 years, resprouting in the spring. After that, they become woody perennials. Space trees at least 20 feet apart.
Potted tree in a 4 inch deep pot, certified organically grown
Note: Empress Tree is not available to TN or AL or NC or CT. Otherwise available in the rest of the US.
In stock
Question
mica –
Can this be container grown? At least for a couple years while house is being built?
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Richo Cech –
Hello Mica, Yes, I encourage anyone wanting a good Paulownia to grow it in successively larger pots for 2 years before setting to landscape. Reason being, it actually acts like an herbaceous perennial the first couple of years and is best to grow it on until woody and then plant–they work better that way. I have one on my land that is 6 foot circumference that I grew from a seed and kept potted for a couple of years. Had it in my hand, didn’t know what to do with it, planted it on a whim, and now its the centerpiece of the farm… r
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
Question
Andrei Felecan –
How big are the paulownia trees when shipped?
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Admin Richo Cech –
This depends on the season they are shipped. In the winter they are dormant crowns, by fall they are commonly 18 inches or greater.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
Bekki Shining Bearheart –
Are they self-fertile? If I plant one will it make babies?
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
Richo Cech –
Yes, these have perfect flowers which means they are self-fertile and that every tree flowers and they do make lots of babies. richo
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
George Thompson –
Do make sure to give it plenty of water twice per week in the summer. Don’t plant close to concrete or foundations. The ultimate shade tree.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Admin Richo Cech –
PS: The tree is increasing in popularity, as it has become evident that the fast growth and the great surface area of the leaves makes this one of the most significant “carbon sinks” available on the planet. Removes carbon dioxide from our atmosphere and replaces this gas with breathable oxygen at approximately twice the rate of a “normal” tree. Grow Empress Tree, People, and take a deep breath! Richo
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Tim Child –
How do you know when to list a tree, bush, or plant as banned in certain states?
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
Admin Richo Cech –
search online for noxious weed status
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
Jane –
We have septic tank. Does it spread to other places. I’m
Worry DTE cable lines are underground if it spread?
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
Richo Cech –
hi jane, like most hardwoods empress tree is going to make horizontal roots up to a couple of feet deep. the 1:12 rule applies–for every inch of tree thickness you can figure the roots extend out 12 inches. richo
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal