How to Care for Paulownia tomentosa (Empress Tree)

Korean name: 오동나무

A fast-growing deciduous tree with large leaves and purple flowers. Commonly used as an ornamental garden tree, it thrives in full sunlight. It has limited cold tolerance and requires protection during winter.

Key facts

• Category: Garden tree & shrub
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Where to keep: outdoors
• Native to: China
• Growth rate: Fast
• Pets: Mildly toxic, so keep pets from chewing on it.
• Traits: ornamental tree, fast growing, large leaves, purple flowers, limited cold tolerance
• Also known as: Empress Tree, Princess Tree, Foxglove Tree

Care Guide

• Light: Prefers full sunlight.
• Watering: Water thoroughly when the soil is dry.
• Soil: Well-draining soil is preferred.
• Humidity: Maintain moderate humidity.
• Temperature: 15~28°C
• Fertilizer: Apply slow-release fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

Common questions

How often should you water Paulownia tomentosa?

Water thoroughly when the soil is dry. Roughly every 7 days is the baseline; adjust for the season and the spot it sits in.

Where should you keep Paulownia tomentosa?

It likes Prefers full sunlight.. You can grow it outdoors. Use Well-draining soil is preferred..

Is Paulownia tomentosa safe around pets?

Mildly toxic, so keep pets from chewing on it.

Is Paulownia tomentosa good for beginners?

Difficulty: Moderate. Keep it around 15~28°C. Humidity: Maintain moderate humidity.. Fertilise Apply slow-release fertilizer once a month during the growing season..