Paulownia fortunei April Light - Arbre du dragon

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Paulownia fortunei April Light - Foxglove Tree

Paulownia fortunei April Light
Foxglove Tree, Princess Tree, Imperial Tree

4 reviews

1,5/5

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1 reviews

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3 reviews

Received, planted! However, I have doubts about its growth. Half of the roots were torn because it was taken out of its pot and damaged by the other bush. What remains of the roots is white, so there is hope for recovery. Not very big (approx. 20cm (8in)) and pruned to ground level, with a stem branching off from what could have been the trunk. A bit disappointed nonetheless.

jacques, 04/12/2023

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

More information

A fast-growing tree with a regular and naturally rounded habit, which produces an abundance of upright clusters of lavender mauve flowers, slightly scented and honey-bearing, from the month of April, on the naked wood. This cultivar develops particularly large deciduous leaves, heart-shaped, of a fairly light green, turning yellow in autumn. Planted in sun, in ordinary, well-drained, but not too dry soil.

Flower size

25 cm

Height at maturity

7 m

Spread at maturity

10 m

Exposure

Sun

Hardiness

Hardy down to -20°C

Soil moisture

Moist soil

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Best planting time March, October

Recommended planting time January to April, September to December

JAN J

FEB F

MAR M

APR A

MAY M

JUN J

JUL J

AUG A

SEP S

OCT O

NOV N

DEC D

Flowering time April

JAN J

FEB F

MAR M

APR A

MAY M

JUN J

JUL J

AUG A

SEP S

OCT O

NOV N

DEC D

Description

The Paulownia fortunei April Light is a variety of Fortune's paulownia that is interesting for its early flowering, which is clearly visible on its still leafless branches, as well as for its naturally regular and rounded habit. It is also distinguished by its remarkably large, highly decorative leaves that last until autumn. It is a vigorous growing tree that quickly makes a big impact. Fairly imposing, this paulownia is suitable for large gardens.

The Paulownia fortunei April Light belongs to the Paulowniaceae family. The type species, called the Fortune's Imperial Tree or dragon tree, is native to southeastern China, Taiwan, Laos, and Vietnam. It is a very fast-growing, hardy species that enjoys sun and rich soils that do not dry out too much. 'April Light' was selected for its more rounded habit, particularly early flowering, and spectacular foliage. The Paulownia can withstand frosts down to -20 °C and adapts well to slightly acidic or slightly alkaline soils.

The Paulownia April Light develops a trunk covered with a yellowish-gray bark, topped by a wide crown. At the age of 10, this tree measures about 6-7 m (20-23ft) in height and 10 m (33ft) in width. Ultimately, it can reach a height of 20 m (66ft), depending on the growing conditions. Flowering occurs in April on the naked wood. It takes the form of magnificent upright clusters, measuring up to 25 cm (10in) in height. Each cluster consists of lavender mauve, nectar-rich, and slightly fragrant bell-shaped flowers. The light green leaves measure over 20 cm (8in) in diameter. They accompany the end of flowering and provide beautiful shade throughout the summer. Before falling in autumn, they turn yellow.

The Paulownia fortunei April Light is a very beautiful ornamental tree that will be magnificent in a large garden or park. It can be planted individually or in rows. Avoid planting it in exposed areas to protect its foliage and early-season flower buds. To accompany it, consider, for example, a magnolia.

Paulownia fortunei April Light - Foxglove Tree in pictures

Flowering

Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 7 m

Spread at maturity 10 m

Habit spreading

Growth rate very fast

Flowering

Flower colour mauve

Flowering time April

Inflorescence Panicle

Flower size 25 cm

Fragrance slightly scented

Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous

Foliage colour green

Botanical data

Genus

Paulownia

Species

fortunei

Cultivar

April Light

Family

Paulowniaceae

Other common names

Foxglove Tree, Princess Tree, Imperial Tree

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

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Planting and care

Plant your Paulownia fortunei April Light in a sunny location, sheltered from strong, cold, and dry winds. It appreciates any type of soil, as long as it is deep, not too dry, and you provide good drainage; suffocating soils can cause the attack of wood-rotting fungi (such as Armillaria, a parasitic fungus that feeds on tree wood). After planting, water generously to remove any air pockets. In case of drought, water for a few weeks to promote rooting.

To allow for easy access underneath, prune the lower branches when your tree is still young. Other than that, simply remove diseased branches and dead wood, and occasionally thin out the center of the tree by pruning intersecting branches. Be careful not to cut off too large branches, as this operation will make your tree susceptible to fungi and weaken it irreversibly; it is preferable to stick to diameters below 3 cm (1in). For coppicing, cut your tree to ground level every year; the leaves will be very large, but you will not get any flowering.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October

Recommended planting time January to April, September to December

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow

Type of use Free-standing

Hardiness Hardy down to -20°C (USDA zone 6b) Show map

Ease of cultivation Beginner

Planting density 1 per m2

Exposure Sun

Soil pH Any

Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)

Soil moisture Moist soil, well-drained and deep

Care

Pruning instructions To allow for easy access underneath, cut the low branches when your tree is still young. Remove the diseased branches and dead wood, you can also open up the center of the tree by pruning the branches that occasionally overlap. Be careful not to cut too large branches, as this will make your tree susceptible to fungi and weaken it irreversibly, it is preferable to stay on diameters below 3 cm (1in). For coppice shoots pruning, cut your tree flush with the ground every year, the leaves will be very large, but you will not get any flowering.

Pruning Pruning recommended once a year

Pruning time February to March

Soil moisture Moist soil

Disease resistance Good

Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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