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Paulownia fortunei April Light - Foxglove Tree

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

2,0/5
1 reviews
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1 reviews
4 reviews

Absolutely gorgeous!!! I bought it, In April it was 15 cm tall and now it's over a metre 60 in September!!!! The leaves are stunning, I'm still waiting a few more years to see the flowering, but it has grown in an incredible way!! Unfortunately, I don't know how to send the picture to show this extraordinary growth.

Sophie, 20/09/2024

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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
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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

Paulownia fortunei April Light - Foxglove Tree (Flowering) Flowering
Paulownia fortunei April Light - Foxglove Tree (Foliage) 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

Product reference182691

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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
2/5

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