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Purple-blue trumpet flowers of the Princess Tree on bare spring branchesTrees

Paulownia tomentosa

Princess Tree

princess treefast-growingtropical lookspring bloomerlarge leaves

The Princess Tree is a spectacular tree that flowers lavishly in April and May with purple-blue, trumpet-shaped blooms before the leaves unfurl. The enormous, heart-shaped leaves can reach 40 centimetres across, giving the tree a tropical look. Princess Tree grows extremely fast and can add more than two metres per year in good conditions.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full sun
Water
Medium
Height
600–1500 cm
Spread
500–1000 cm
Hardiness zone
5–9
Family
Paulowniaceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
purple
Wildlife value
bees, butterflies

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Princess Tree tolerates most soil types and urban conditions. Flower buds form in autumn and can freeze in severe cold — plant in a sheltered spot. Water young trees regularly.

Pruning tips

Prune in winter to remove dead wood. For spectacularly large foliage, coppice the tree annually to ground level — it will shoot up with enormous leaves but will not flower. Leave the tree to grow for blooms.

Good companions

Pink flowers of the Judas tree directly on bare branches in springTrees

Cercis siliquastrum

Judas Tree

The Judas tree is a spectacular small tree that bears bright pink flowers directly on the bare branches and even the trunk in April and May — a rare phenomenon called cauliflory. After flowering, heart-shaped blue-green leaves appear, giving the tree a Mediterranean character. The Judas tree slowly develops into a graceful, multi-stemmed specimen.

Full sunLow400–800 cm
Star-shaped white flowers of Star Magnolia against a blue spring skyTrees

Magnolia stellata

Star Magnolia

Star Magnolia is a compact small tree or large shrub that becomes smothered in star-shaped white to pale pink flowers in March and April, before the leaves emerge. The blooms have a soft, sweet fragrance. Its compact size makes this magnolia suitable even for smaller gardens and front yards.

Full sunMedium200–300 cm
Fluffy pink flowers of the Silk Tree above finely divided green foliageTrees

Albizia julibrissin

Silk Tree

The Silk Tree is an exotic presence with a broad, umbrella-shaped crown and finely divided, fern-like foliage. From June to August, striking, fluffy pink flowers appear that look like silken tassels. The tree brings a Mediterranean atmosphere to the garden and attracts butterflies and bees. The leaves fold together at dusk.

Full sunMedium500–1200 cm