Η Paulownia (Paulownia) is a genus of fast-growing deciduous trees of the monogamous family paulowniaceae. Genus Paulownia consists of 6 - 17 species. It originates from China.
The genus, originally called Pavlovnia, was named in honor of Queen Anna Paulowna of the Netherlands (1795-1865), daughter of Tsar Paul I of Russia. It is also called the "Princess Tree". In China they call Paulonia "dragon tree", while in Japan it is called "kiri".
Paulownia is a species of economic interest. It is cultivated for the production of exceptional quality wood and the production of biomass. It survives catastrophic fires, as its roots regenerate and rapidly develop new stems. It is considered an ideal reforestation tree because its roots prevent soil erosion. Its leaves are rich in nitrogen and are considered good animal feed and excellent natural fertilizer.
It is a tree that produces biomass from the third year of planting and some species, for the production of wood, are felled after the fifth year of cultivation.
Description of the plant
Pavlonia reaches a height of 10-25 meters and its width ranges from 9 to 12 meters. Her hair has a spherical shape. It has large heart-shaped, pentagonal leaves with a length ranging from 15 to 40 cm. They grow in opposite pairs on the stem. The flowers are formed in early spring, before the leaves develop, in inflorescences 10 to 30 cm long. The flowers are fragrant and have a tubular shape with pink, lilac color with dark purple spots inside. The length of the flowers is from 4 to 6 cm. The fruit is a capsule, which contains many small compartments that carry the seeds. The seeds are covered with fluff and this helps to disperse them with the wind and water.
Plant care
Location:
It grows satisfactorily in all types of soils, without particular problems. Prerequisite for the soil to be well drained. Prefers sandy or clay soils, rich in nutrients. Prefers places with moderate shade or sunny protected from strong or hot winds.
Watering:
It has moderate water requirements, except in the summer months when you can increase its watering. In winter we water about every 10 days. In summer 3 to 4 times a week. In spring and autumn 1 to 2 times a week.
Lubrication:
Fertilize your plants regularly using a water soluble fertilizer for flowering plants or a granular fertilizer. The slow-release granular fertilizer is added to the soil at planting, following the dosage recommendations listed on the package.
Plants grown in pots may need more frequent fertilization to keep them looking their best. Apply the fertilizer in spring and summer (once a month). You can use either the granular fertilizer by spreading it on the ground between the plants and then watering well, or by dissolving the water-soluble fertilizer in the watering can.
Durability:
Withstands cold and low temperatures down to -20ο C. Caution is required with strong winds. Suitable for planting in areas with heavy air pollution. It withstands coastal areas.
Pruning:
It is necessary to removal of dried and diseased shoots in early spring. Apply a light pruning of the configuration, the crown and remove all the lateral shoots, to maintain its shape.
If we apply strict pruning in autumn or early spring, before the leaves develop, then we prevent the tree from flowering.
Uses of the plant
Paulownia is very often used in landscape architecture because of its rich foliage and impressive flowering.
It is suitable for:
- Individual plantings in different parts of the garden to create shaded areas.
- Ideal for parks and yards.
- Forms beautiful clusters.
- For planting flower beds, borders.
- For clusters or in a row in lawns.
- For planting pots.
- In rock gardens.
Enemies and Diseases
Paulonia does not have serious problems with enemies and diseases. The most common problem is the appearance of fungi and root rot due to excess water either because the soil holds water or because we water it too much!
