How to Care for Empress Tree

The Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa) is one of the fastest-growing deciduous trees, capable of adding several feet in a single season. It is admired for its enormous heart-shaped leaves and, in spring, showy upright clusters of fragrant lavender flowers. Because it is so vigorous and can spread aggressively, choose its site thoughtfully.

Light

The Empress Tree demands full sun for the strongest growth and best flowering. Give it an open location with at least 6 hours of direct light. In too much shade it grows spindly and blooms poorly.

Water

Water moderately while young to establish a deep, strong root system, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Once established, it is notably drought-tolerant and needs supplemental water only during extended dry spells. Avoid consistently soggy ground.

Soil & Potting

This adaptable tree grows in a wide range of soils but prefers deep, well-drained loam. It tolerates poor and disturbed soils, which is part of why it establishes so readily. Good drainage is important, as the roots dislike standing water.

Humidity & Temperature

Particularly cold-hardy once established, the Empress Tree tolerates a broad range of climates. Young trees and late-season growth can be damaged by hard frost, but the plant often resprouts vigorously from the base. It handles heat and humidity well.

Feeding

On poor soils, a balanced fertilizer in spring supports the tree's rapid growth, but on average garden soil it rarely needs much feeding. Excess fertilizer only fuels already fast growth that may need managing, so feed sparingly.

Propagation

The Empress Tree propagates readily from seed, root cuttings, and stump sprouts. Root cuttings taken in late winter are a reliable method, and the tree self-sows freely, which is why it can become weedy in favorable climates.

Repotting / Pruning

Many growers coppice the Empress Tree, cutting it back hard each year to produce huge decorative leaves on vigorous new shoots. Left to grow as a tree, prune in late winter to establish a strong single leader and remove crossing or weak branches. Because it can spread by seed and root suckers, remove unwanted sprouts promptly.

Common Problems & Pests

The Empress Tree is generally robust and pest-resistant. Its main drawbacks are its aggressive self-seeding and suckering, and its somewhat brittle wood, which can break in storms. Watch for occasional leaf spots or mildew in humid, crowded conditions, and improve airflow to prevent them.

Seasonal Care Tips

In spring, enjoy the flowers (which open before the leaves) and apply any needed feeding. Summer brings explosive leafy growth, especially on coppiced plants. In autumn the large leaves drop, and late winter is the time to prune, coppice, or take root cuttings before the next flush of growth.