Foxglove or Empress tree is native to China. A beautiful tree with large panicles of fragrant lilac-purple foxglove-like flowers. These appear on bare stems in May, followed by large heart-shaped bright green leaves that turn golden in the autumn. The Foxglove deciduous tree does best in long hot summers and copes well with urban pollution, although it can take some years before flowering. Plant as a specimen tree to enjoy its fragrance and beauty.

For best results, grow the Paulownia tomentosa in a sheltered spot with full sun or dappled shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil although is adaptable to most soils.

Cultivation: Specimen, good for urban pollution

Soil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand

Position: Sun & sheltered

Foliage: Deciduous

Flowering: Lilac-purple in May

Habit: Broad

Hardiness: Hardy in sheltered areas

Growth: Fast

Benefits to Wildlife: Some

Height & Spread in Maturity:  10m x 9m