Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Paulownia elongata or Bluebell tree

The Paulownia genus, family Paulowniaceae, includes about 17 species of trees native to Asia. Some species are: Paulownia elongata, Paulownia fortunei, Paulownia tomentosa, Paulownia imperialis, Paulownia Coreana.

Common name: Bluebell tree. This species is native to China.

Paulownia elongata is a deciduous tree with a rounded crown and rapid growth that reaches 30 meters (98.42 feet) in height. The large leaves, up to 60 cm (23.6") long, are deep green with rust-colored spots. The showy and abundant trumpet-shaped, scented flowers appear in vertical clusters and are lilac-violet and white; it blooms in spring and the leaves sprout after the flowers. The fruits are brown elliptical capsules.

Bluebell tree is used as a shade tree, in rows for public parks and as isolated specimens protected from the wind. It's ideal for Mediterranean gardens but not on the seafront. It attracts bees.

Paulownia elongata grows in full sun and semi-shade exposures. Although it prefers a warm climate, it can withstand frosts down to -17 ºC (1.4 ºF).

Bluebell tree prefers a soil rich in organic matter, fresh and well-drained. Planting in the final location is done in spring or autumn.

Water regularly so that the substrate never dries out completely. Water a little more in summer.

Fertilize in autumn with compost or manure and during spring and summer add mineral fertilizer every 2 weeks.

Paulownia elongata is advisable to lightly prune only young specimens to maintain a rounded appearance.

This plant does not usually present serious problems with pests and diseases.

Bluebell tree is propagated from seeds sown in spring.

Images of the tree Paulownia elongata or Bluebell tree