Foxglove Tree 20/40cm (P9)

The Foxglove Tree – Paulownia tomentosa is a breathtaking ornamental specimen that brings exotic elegance and rapid growth to gardens throughout Britain. This remarkable deciduous tree earns its common name from the stunning foxglove-like flowers that appear in late spring, creating a spectacular display of fragrant, tubular blooms in shades of lavender-blue with yellow throats. The flowers emerge before the leaves, transforming the bare branches into clouds of colour that can be appreciated from considerable distances.

Beyond its floral magnificence, Paulownia tomentosa offers year-round architectural interest with its exceptionally large, heart-shaped leaves that can reach up to 40cm across on young, vigorous growth. These velvety, soft-textured leaves create a lush, tropical appearance during summer months, providing excellent shade and a bold statement in any planting scheme. The foliage emerges with a slight downy covering, giving the tree its species name ‘tomentosa’, meaning woolly or hairy.

Native to China but perfectly adapted to British growing conditions, the Foxglove Tree is renowned as one of the fastest-growing hardwood trees available, capable of putting on several metres of growth in a single season under optimal conditions. This vigorous nature makes it an excellent choice for establishing screening, creating focal points, or filling gaps in new gardens where instant impact is desired. The tree develops attractive, ridged bark as it matures, adding winter interest alongside the persistent seed capsules that follow the flowers.

Growing Conditions and Care

Paulownia tomentosa thrives in full sun positions with well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Whilst tolerant of various soil types including clay, sand, and chalk, the tree performs best in moisture-retentive ground that doesn’t become waterlogged during winter months. Choose a sheltered location protected from strong winds, as the large leaves can be damaged by excessive exposure, and late spring frosts may occasionally affect emerging flower buds.

Water newly planted specimens regularly during their first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, the Foxglove Tree demonstrates good drought tolerance, though growth rates will be maximised with consistent moisture during dry spells. Apply a generous layer of organic mulch around the base each spring to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and provide gentle nutrition as it breaks down.

Pruning can be approached in two ways depending on your desired effect. For traditional tree form with flowers, prune only to remove damaged wood or shape the canopy lightly after flowering. Alternatively, coppice hard each spring to ground level or to a low framework to produce spectacular foliage growth with leaves reaching enormous proportions, though this sacrifices flowering. Feed coppiced specimens with a balanced fertiliser in spring to support the vigorous regrowth.

The tree is generally pest and free from serious diseases in British gardens, making it a low-maintenance choice once established. Young growth may occasionally attract aphids, but these rarely cause lasting damage. Protect young trees from rabbit and deer browsing in rural locations during their first few years.

Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres

Time to ultimate height
10–20 years

Ultimate spread
8–12 metres