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Tree · Paulowniaceae family

Princess tree

Paulownia tomentosa

Full sun in a garden 13 ft 1½ in–19 ft 8¼ in × 13 ft 1½ in–19 ft 8¼ in Flowers April–May to −73 °F
Flower colors Click a color

In short a 10-second read

SunFull sun
in a garden after 10 years13 ft 1½ in–19 ft 8¼ in
in the wild up to 49.2 ft
spacing 19 ft 8¼ in
FlowersApril–May
PlantingMarch–April, October–November
WinterNo winter protection
Watched as potentially invasive (CZ, DE) — keep it away from the wild and do not let it spread.

Where to plant and how much to water

Sun, soil and water.

It grows best in full sun, in average soil.

Sun

Sun6 hours or more
Part shade3–6 hours
Shadeunder 3 h

Soil

acidic to neutral soil
acidicneutralalkaline
averageloamysandy

Watering

regularly until establishedat the base, not on the leavesless when it rains

Frost

−73 °F
no winter protectionleafless in winter

How much space it takes

Mature size.

The mature plant next to a person (69 in).

3 ft 3⅜ in6 ft 6¾ in9 ft 10⅛ in13 ft 1½ in16 ft 4⅞ in19 ft 8¼ in22 ft 11⅝ in26 ft 3 in29 ft 6⅜ in32.8 ft36.1 ft39.4 ft42.7 ft45.9 ft49.2 ft32.8 ft–49.2 ftspread 19 ft 8¼ in–39.4 ft
32.8 ft–49.2 ft× spread 19 ft 8¼ in–39.4 ft

Plant 19 ft 8¼ in apart.

Reaches maturity in about 8–10 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.

Calendar

Through the year.

Typical for a temperate climate (four seasons). The line shows the current month.

The year at a glance

Flowers: JanuaryFlowers: FebruaryFlowers: MarchFlowers: AprilFlowers: MayFlowers: JuneFlowers: JulyFlowers: AugustFlowers: SeptemberFlowers: OctoberFlowers: NovemberFlowers: DecemberPlanting: JanuaryPlanting: FebruaryPlanting: MarchPlanting: AprilPlanting: MayPlanting: JunePlanting: JulyPlanting: AugustPlanting: SeptemberPlanting: OctoberPlanting: NovemberPlanting: DecemberFeeding: JanuaryFeeding: FebruaryFeeding: MarchFeeding: AprilFeeding: MayFeeding: JuneFeeding: JulyFeeding: AugustFeeding: SeptemberFeeding: OctoberFeeding: NovemberFeeding: DecemberJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
FlowersPlantingFeeding
Now, in October: a good time for planting (container plant, bare-root, root-balled).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Flowers

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

April–May · purple

Planting

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

container plant: March–April, October–November; bare-root: March–April, October–November; root-balled: March–April, October–November

Feeding

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May–June

Feeding

Nutrition.

Horn meal

up to 0.18 oz/sq ft a year, if the soil needs it · May–June

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Pests and diseases

Common problems and what to do.

The most common problems in Central Europe. Protection is listed from the gentlest option.

No serious pests or diseases

The source lists no significant problems.

Sources (1)

Frequently asked

Quick answers.

When does princess tree flower?

In April–May; the flowers are purple.

Does princess tree tolerate shade?

No, it needs full sun.

How much space does princess tree need?

At maturity 19 ft 8¼ in–39.4 ft wide and 32.8 ft–49.2 ft tall; recommended spacing 19 ft 8¼ in.

Sources (16) Checked 24 October 2026

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