Paulownia tomentosa Hulsdonk - Foxglove Tree

The Paulownia tomentosa ‘Hulsdonk’ combines all the qualities of the species in a more stocky and compact habit, and above all with a faster flowering on young plants. Very graphic, this medium-sized tree, with a spreading habit almost as wide as it is tall, stands out primarily for its enormous leaves. Very decorative, they give the tree a lush appearance that catches everyone's attention. Its spring flowering is equally exceptional; large panicles of subtly scented violet flowers then cover the crown. Easy to grow, this Paulownia accepts most soils and is suitable for small gardens.

The Paulownia, formerly classified in the Scrophulariaceae family, now belongs to the botanical family Paulowniaceae, which is very exclusive with only 3 genera. Nicknamed the "imperial tree," Paulownia tomentosa, native to Asia and named after Anna Pavlovna, Queen of the Netherlands, is the best known. It is a fast-growing tree with a dense shade provided by its leaves. A tree with a very elegant and large habit, it is well suited to spacious gardens as it can reach a height of 12 m (39ft) and almost the same in width.

The cultivar Hulsdonk is named after a place near the small town of Zundert in the south of the Netherlands, where it was selected from Paulownia tomentosa seedlings. Its main advantage, which caught the attention of the nurseryman who discovered it, is that young plants flower more quickly than other plants of the species. After being cultivated, it has also proven to be more compact, which allows it to be used in small urban gardens.

This small to medium-sized tree reaches about 7 m (23ft) in height with a spreading crown reaching 5 m (16ft) in width. It has fast growth, which, combined with its early flowering, makes it a very attractive plant for achieving an interesting visual effect in the garden without waiting too long! From April, before the first leaves emerge, long panicles (up to 25 cm (10in)) of mauve-violet flowers appear, a rather rare color among trees (this type of color can be found in the Jacaranda, unfortunately not very hardy). The inflorescences consist of about twenty bell-shaped flowers approximately 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) long, tubular and opening trumpet-like at their ends. They exude a refined fragrance, difficult to describe but pleasant. The flowering evolves to produce fruits that are yellow-green capsules at first and then turn brown, which persist on the tree for a long time, often until spring.

The leaves appear after the flowers and coexist with them for some time. Of a spectacular size, measuring about thirty cm in length, they are approximately heart-shaped and create a dense shade on the ground. It is even possible to obtain even larger leaves by coppicing the tree, that is, cutting it back very close to the ground to obtain a stool (a clump with several trunks). The aspect of the vegetation is then even more impressive, at the expense of flowering, however. Remarkable for their graphic design, it should be noted that the deciduous leaves do not change color in autumn before falling.

The Paulownia Hulsdonk will thrive in a sunny position, sheltered from strong winds that can damage its branches and large leaves. It is accommodating regarding soil type, accepting neutral, as well as calcareous or acidic soils. Once well rooted, it is quite drought-resistant and is not afraid of urban pollution. Once established, its hardiness extends to about -20 °C (a young tree will tolerate temperatures around -15 °C).

A compact tree with multiple qualities, this Paulownia Hulsdonk will be perfect for creating a characterful scene in an urban garden. Planted alone on a lawn or in a flower bed, it will look proud with its extra-large leaves. It is undoubtedly one of the best flowering trees, with the added benefit of a particularly pleasant fragrance (Paulownia notes are actually used in perfumery). When possible, it is advisable to plant this Paulownia at the bottom of a slope to be able to admire its flowering from above against a backdrop of green grass, as the flowers have a colour close to that of the sky and will thus be better highlighted. The Golden Rain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) is another compact flowering tree, with its finely cut foliage contrasting with that of the Paulownia if you plant it nearby. Its later flowering, with bright yellow flowers, will take over from that of the Paulownia. You can also take advantage of the shade provided by Hulsdonk to plant shade-loving perennials, such as the beautiful Epimedium with its delicate flowers, or a perennial Geranium like Samobor with its small burgundy-red flowers.