History of the Paulownia tree
According to the American Journal of Botany 48(2); 175-179 Illus. 1961, by Charles J. Smiley, there is evidence that the Paulownia existed during the Tertiary Period. Over 500 fossils of Paulownia leaves were discovered in the Tertiary strata of Ellensburg Canyon of Washington State, U.S.A. Charles Smiley believes that the extinction of Northwestern Paulownia was due to the glaciations in later ice ages.
For centuries, the Chinese have grown Paulownia, also known as Empress and Sapphire trees for beauty and for highly-prized timber. Paulownia is a fast-growing shade tree that produces a lightweight timber that is used in the making of moldings, cabinets, veneers, furniture and even musical instruments.
In Japan when a girl child is born, they plant a Paulownia tree for her and when she marries they build her wedding chest from the tree. They also believe that the tree should be planted next to the house so that the Phoenix would come protect them and bring good luck.
Description of Fast Growing Paulownia Trees
Genus and species - The genus of the Paulownia trees is Scrophulariaceae.
There are over 12 different species of Paulownia growing in the different climates within China.
The Dragon tree family is made up of four of these highly prized species.
Kawakamii Dragon Tree (Paulownia Kawakamii) Note: "full sun is best"
- Mature height (in 3 yrs): 30 feet: (1st yr: 12/18' -- 2nd yr: 20/25' -- 3rd yr: 28/30')
- Blossoming (2nd/3rd yr): 6 weeks in spring. Color: sapphire blue, yellow center.
- Temperature range: (0 to +120) degrees - drops leaves in winter.
- Soil conditions: well drained is best, light to heavy clay is ok.
- Soil ph: 5.5 to 8.5 (6.5 is the optimum ph level).
- Limitations: Trees will not do well in overly wet soils or salt sea air.
- Root system: Multiple tap roots - 15 to 20 feet deep.
- Fertilizer: High nitrogen, chicken manure is best.
- Water: Soak deeply once or twice a week for first two years.
When roots reach maturity, water requirement very low.
Elongata Dragon Tree (Paulownia Elongata) Note: "full sun is best"
- Mature height: 75 feet: (3rd yr: 28/30' -- 15-18 yrs: 75')
- Blossoming (2nd/3rd yr): 6 weeks in spring. Color: light lavender, yellow center.
- Temperature range: (-05 to +120) degrees - drops leaves in winter.
- Soil conditions: well drained is best, light to heavy clay is ok.
- Soil ph: 5.5 to 8.5 (6.5 is the optimum ph level).
- Limitations: Trees will not do well in overly wet soils or salt sea air.
- Root system: Multiple tap roots - 15 to 20 feet deep
- Fertilizer: High nitrogen, chicken manure is best.
- Water: Soak deeply once or twice a week for first two years.
When roots reach maturity, water requirement very low.
Fortunei Dragon Tree (Paulownia Fortunei) Note: "full sun is best"
- Mature height: 75 feet: (3rd yr: 28/30' -- 15-18 yrs: 75')
- Blossoming (2nd/3rd yr): 6 weeks in spring. Color: pearl white, lavender center
- Temperature range: (+15 to +120) degrees - drops leaves in winter.
- Soil conditions: well drained is best, light to heavy clay is ok.
- Soil ph: 5.5 to 8.5 (6.5 is the optimum ph level).
- Limitations: Trees will not do well in overly wet soils or salt sea air.
- Root system: Multiple tap roots - 15 to 20 feet deep.
- Fertilizer: High nitrogen, chicken manure is best.
- Water: Soak deeply once or twice a week for first two years.
When roots reach maturity, water requirement very low.
Shipping Information
Size when shipped. All Dragon trees are approximately 4 to 9 inches tall, including the cone-shaped root system.
Note: Dragon tree grows so fast that there is no advantage in shipping larger, heavier trees. Dragon trees can grow 12 to 18 feet in the first full season.
Three Day Priority Mail
Size when shipped. Once customer labels are prepared and trees are boxed, all Dragon tree seedlings are shipped 3 Day Priority Mail. Note: Depending on tree readiness, labeling, boxing and shipping, the order processing and delivery can take one to two weeks.
Basic Planting Instructions (see attachments for detailed instructions)
- Plant your Dragon tree in full sun. Partial shade will work but full sun is best.
- Dig a hole two feet square and two feet deep, or larger if soil is poor.
- Fill with good topsoil mixed 50/50 with potting soil and/or peat moss.
- Make a dished out area in the top of the soil mix and plant your tree in the center.
- Fill the dished out area with water and soak all new soil deeply.
- Be sure to let soil dry out inbetween watering. Soak deeply each time you water.
- In the heat of summer (90 and above) water 2 to 3 times a week. (soak deeply)
- To feed your tree, add high nitrogen fertilizer to water once a week for first season. Feeding your tree is not a requirement, but is recommended for best results.
Note: If you plant your tree in an area of the yard that is watered with a sprinkler system, you must water the tree deeply as if it was not watered at all. The reason for this: If you water the tree only with the sprinkler system, the water will not go deep and the roots of the tree will grow out under the grass looking for water. As these roots grow larger, they can cause problems. If you water deeply, the roots will grow down, keeping the yard clear.
Note: - Do not use any form of insecticide or weed-killer anywhere near your tree. All Paulownia trees are highly sensitive to poisons and will die or be severely damaged if exposed to them. (See detailed planting instructions for more information.)
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