Paulownia fortunei Fast Blue ('Minfast')
foxglove tree
This tree is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth:fast
- Flowering period: April to May
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Wonderfully fragrant, lilac-blue flowers with creamy-white throats, decorate the bare stems in April and May, followed by large, heart-shaped leaves, measuring up to 20cm across. This spectacular, deciduous tree looks lovely set in the middle of lawn, sheltered from strong winds.
Container grown trees can be planted any time of year. Begin by removing weeds and grass within a metre of your desired planting hole. Dig a square hole as deep as the pot size and twice as wide, incorporate some well-rotted organic matter/compost into the planting hole and sprinkle some mycorrhizal fungi to aid tree establishment. Once planted, secure with a stake, position at an angle (to avoid penetrating the roots) and attach the tree to the stake with a tree tie. Protect from cold, drying winds and keep well watered for best results. In late winter remove misplaced, diseased or crossing branches.