Paulownia tomentosa

Common Name:
Foxglove Tree

Description:
Paulownia tomentosa, commonly known as the Foxglove Tree, is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to central and eastern China. Celebrated for its spectacular display of fragrant, tubular, lavender to pale violet flowers that emerge in spring before the foliage, it adds a dramatic flair to any landscape. The large, heart-shaped leaves provide a lush, tropical appearance, making it a standout specimen tree. In Melbourne's climate, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, displaying rapid growth that can exceed 2.5 metres in a single season. While its ornamental value is significant, gardeners should be aware of its potential to self-seed prolifically, which may lead to invasive tendencies if not managed properly.

Form:

• Tree - Large

Mature Size:

• Height: 12–15 metres

• Width: 8–10 metres

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• Lavender

• Pale Violet

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots (when young)

• Fast Growing

• Scented Flowers

• Bee Attracting

• Perennial

• Ornamental Foliage

• Ornamental Flowers

• Potentially Invasive if not managed

Toxicity:

• Not considered toxic to humans or pets; however, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.

Companion Plants:

• Jacaranda mimosifolia (Jacaranda)

• Catalpa bignonioides (Southern Catalpa)

• Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo)

• Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)

• Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia)