Paulownia

The genus Paulownia, or Adam's Tree (Paulownia), is named after Anna Pavlovna, the daughter of Tsar Paul I of Russia. It unites more than 10 species of deciduous trees, growing up to 15-20 m in height. Large opposite leaves are usually whole, sometimes slightly dissected. Fragrant tubular-bell-shaped flowers, collected in erect panicles, bloom in spring, before the leaves appear. The most common is Paulownia tomentosa, a tall, fast-growing tree with a curving trunk covered with smooth brownish-gray bark and pubescent branches that curve upwards. Large heart-shaped leaves sit on long petioles. In spring, before the leaves open, candelabra-like inflorescences (up to 30 cm long) with fragrant purple-pink flowers appear and bloom throughout May. Fruits-oval woody double-leafed boxes-are kept on the plant for a long time. They contain a myriad of winged small seeds. Lilac Paulownia (P. lilacina) is a species with pointed leaves with a heart-shaped base. In May-June, fragrant light lilac flowers bloom inside with purple speckles. Paulownia Fortune (P. fortunei) has fragrant cream-colored flowers, the mouth is purple, with a lilac tint on the outside.

The genus Paulownia, or Adam's Tree (Paulownia), is named after Anna Pavlovna, the daughter of Tsar Paul I of Russia. It unites more than 10 species of deciduous trees, growing up to 15-20 m in height. Large opposite leaves are usually whole, sometimes slightly dissected. Fragrant tubular-bell-shaped flowers, collected in erect panicles, bloom in spring, before the leaves appear.

The most common is Paulownia tomentosa, a tall, fast-growing tree with a curving trunk covered with smooth brownish-gray bark and pubescent branches that curve upwards. Large heart-shaped leaves sit on long petioles. In spring, before the leaves open, candelabra-like inflorescences (up to 30 cm long) with fragrant purple-pink flowers appear and bloom throughout May. Fruits-oval woody double-leafed boxes-are kept on the plant for a long time. They contain a myriad of winged small seeds.

Lilac Paulownia (P. lilacina) is a species with pointed leaves with a heart-shaped base. In May-June, fragrant light lilac flowers bloom inside with purple speckles.

Paulownia Fortune (P. fortunei) has fragrant cream-colored flowers, the mouth is purple, with a lilac tint on the outside.

Cultivation

Plants of the genus Paulownia are grown in parks and gardens in single plantings as an ornamental crop. They are planted in the ground in October or March (if the winters are cold-not earlier than March), always with a lump of earth, since these plants cannot be transplanted otherwise (with a bare root system). They prefer fertile, well-drained, neutral or slightly acidic soils. However, they also tolerate a different type of soil, as long as it is not excessively wet or dry. When planting, it is useful to apply organic fertilizers (1-2 kg per plant). In subsequent years, top dressing is applied early in spring, it is applied superficially to the soil (organic fertilizers from 500 g to 1 kg per plant). Instead, you can use a complex mineral fertilizer (30-50 g per plant) with a reduced nitrogen content (to avoid overgrowth). Pruning is not performed. It is recommended to remove dry, damaged and unsightly branches. If a tree is cut down, a large growth is formed at its base, often with characteristic huge leaves, on which flowers rarely form.

Location

Paulownia grows well in the open sun, but partial shade is also suitable. Completely exclude the impact of winds that can damage the foliage.

Temperature

These plants are resistant to fluctuations in air temperature. However, late frosts can have a certain negative impact on flowering.

Watering

It is required for young plants immediately after planting on a permanent planting site or during periods of prolonged drought.

Reproduction

Use both seeding and cuttings. Seeds are sown in March-April, in a mixture of sand and peat (1:1), seedlings are kept in a closed, unheated room. After germination, they are planted singly in pots filled with humus, add a complex fertilizer of 15 g per bucket. Finally planted in the ground after 2-3 years. In July, semi-woody cuttings 10-15 cm long are taken from the side shoots and placed to form roots in a mixture of sand and peat in a cool room. After the roots are formed, they are transplanted into pots and treated in the same way as seedlings from seeds.

Diseases

When grown in too dense soil, root rot can occur, caused by various fungi, most often honey fungus (Armillaria mellea). Affected specimens die, but they must be removed without waiting, as they infect other plants. Leaf spots may also appear due to various fungi. To prevent diseases, dead leaves are collected and destroyed, and plants are sprayed with fungicides. In the hot and humid period of the year, Paulownia is affected by powdery mildew of grapes. Chemical treatment with fungicides is carried out.

Acquisition

Plants of the genus Paulownia are easily found in the best specialized nurseries and gardening centers. Buy plants in containers, otherwise always with a lump of earth. Choose small seedlings to make them easier to handle when planting in the ground.