This name has often been misapplied in the past to Paulownia lilacina Sprague (which is itself now generally considered to be a synonym of Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud.

Common Name:

General Information

Paulownia fargesii is a deciduous tree with a conical crown; it can grow up to 20 metres tall[]. The plant becomes evergreen when growing in more tropical regions[].
Paulownia species in general are valued for their fast growth and light but strong wood; they are increasingly being grown as a plantation timber and in soil stabilization and restoration projects. They are also often grown as ornamentals

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - southern China (Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Sichuan, Yunnan), Vietnam

Habitat

Forests, mountain slopes; at elevations from 1,200 - 3,000 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Paulownia fargesii is a moderately cold-hardy plant, though it needs to grow in areas with long hot summers in order to fully develop its hardiness. In such regions it is able to tolerate temperatures down to around -15°c when fully dormant, though in areas with cooler summers it can be damaged by considerably less cold conditions. Young plants are also much more susceptible to cold than more mature specimens, whilst the spring growth and flowering of plants of all ages can be damaged by late frosts[, ]. The plant can be found from the warm temperate zone of southern China, just entering into the tropics in Vietnam, and is also sometimes cultivated in tropical areas.
Paulownia species generally grow best in an open, sunny position in a deep. moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil[].
All the species in this genus produce attractive spring displays of sweetly-scented flowers and can be grown as ornamentals[].
Branches tend to be brittle and the large leaves are liable to wind-burn, so it is best to site trees in a position that is sheltered from strong winds[].
A fast-growing species[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Paulownia species in general are valued for their fast growth and ability to grow in poor and disturbed soils. They can be used as pioneer species to restore native woodland and are increasingly being grown in soil stabilization and restoration projects.

Other Uses

We have no specific information on the wood of this species, but Paulownia species in general have a good quality, lightweight timber. The reddish-brown wood is comparatively soft and has a beautiful grain[]. It is not generally attacked by insects. It is used for making delicate furniture, cabinets, musical instruments etc, and is also used for items such as boxes, clogs, floats and general wood work. It is also used in construction, being good for posts and beams[].
The wood yields an excellent charcoal that can be used for high class fireworks and gunpowder[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. Sow stored seed in late winter in a greenhouse at 15 - 20°c[]. The seed requires light for germination[]. Fair to good germination. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Overwinter in a cold frame for its first year and plant out in late spring[].
Root cuttings 4cm long in December. Good percentage[].