Royal Empress Tree

Ornamental Paulownia Shade Tree

Fast growing Paulownia Royal Empress Tree,with its beautiful purple flowers, is the fastest growing shade tree in the world. This fast growing deciduous tree will grow up to 30 feet in just 3 years.

It is well known for its broad crown of large light green leaves that can reach up to a foot across. The leaves give the tree a somewhat Tropical look.

The lifespan of this tree is from 80-100 years. The Royal Empress Tree is native to China and Japan. It is considered to bring good luck. They have a custom of planting one every time a daughter is born to them. When she reaches maturity, the tree is cut down, and the lumber made into a wedding chest.

The Paulownia tree has tap roots that will go down as far as 40 feet searching for water. These ornamental shade trees are non-toxic and safe around horses and pets. The leaves are high in protien, and used for animal feed in other countries. The Royal Empress Tree is hardy in zones 5-11. The first year of its growth, it reguires frequent watering, but once it gets established, its tough as nails. It is totally free of disease and pests.

China and Japan have been using the hardwood from these trees for years. The trees have the ability to produce high quality lumber very fast, due to the fast rate of growth. In the Spring, the Paulownia tree produces spectacular purple flowers that bloom for 6-8 weeks.

What to Expect

The First Year

The first year you can expect the tree to grow 10-15 feet.. It will produce a single stalk, with some fuzzy leaves. Keep it well watered.

The Second Year

The second year it should reach 15-20 feet. Branches will be forming, along with some Huge leaves.

The Third Year

Your tree will now be 25-30 feet tall and give you Spring Blooms

The Fourth Year

Expect 30-45feet of growth, with a large canapy of Huge leaves. The Royal Empress trees have become evasive in many parts of the country.

If this is a tree that you choose to plant,keep in mind the enormous size it will soon be, so give careful thought to "where' you plant it. Once growing, it doesn't "Move " easily, because of its large tap root.

If you have a large lawn, and want a fast growing shade tree, this may be the one!

Don't plant close to your garden, it will shade things rather quickly!

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