Paulownia Tomentosa (Foxglove Tree)

Common Name: Foxglove Tree

Species: Paulownia

Exposure: Shade or Half Shade

Hardiness: Hardy

Soil type: Tolerates a wide variety of soil types - unfussy

Paulownia Tomentosa is a deciduous tree native to central and western China. The 'Foxglove' grows to 10-25 m tall, with large heart-shaped leaves approx 15-40 cm across. On young growth, the leaves may be in whorls of three and be much bigger than the leaves on more mature growth. The characteristic large size of the young growth is exploited by gardeners : by pollarding the tree and ensuring there is vigorous new growth every year, massive leaves are produced (up to 60cm across). These are popular in tropical style gardens. The flowers are produced before the leaves in early spring, on panicles 10-30 cm long. The fruit is a dry egg-shaped capsule 3-4 cm long, containing numerous tiny seeds. The seeds are winged and disperse by wind and water. Pollarded trees do not produce flowers, as these only form on mature wood.

The Foxglove tree should be planted as a solitary specimen and cannot thrive in the shade of other trees.