This deciduous tree has an erect greyish trunk with upturned spreading branches that form a rounded crown. It has large mid to dark green heart-shaped leaves and the lilac tube-shaped fragrant flowers appear in clusters during late spring.  

Hardiness zones 5 to 10 

Paulownia tomentosa is naturally found in China growing in moist fertile well-drained soils in an open to semi protected position and is drought tender and frost tolerant but needs wind protection.

Empress Tree is grown for its foliage and is planted in parks and gardens as a lawn specimen or for garden colour in spring. It may be pruned to form a leafy shrub in cold climates or used for border plantings. It establishing in 3 to 4 years but late frosts can damage buds or leaves and it prefers long hot summers. ID 1646

Paulownia (pow-LO-nee-ah) tomentosa (tō-men-TOW-sa)

Scrophulariaceae (skrof-yoo-larr-ee-AY-see-ee)
Figwort and Foxglove Family