Paulownia fortunei Seeds | Fortunes Paulownia
LATIN NAME: Paulownia fortunei
COMMON NAME: Fortunes Paulownia
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Fortunes Paulownia (Paulownia fortunei) is a handsome tree. Fortunes paulownia is fast, handsome tree of warm lowlands, and it has been grown in the eastern Asia for its timber and its fine flowering for a very long time. Tall, straight trunk carries a broad crown of large, soft, heart-shaped leaves, and in early spring tree is covered with upright sprays of pale, lavender-blue, foxglove-like flowers. Flowers open before leaves and give bare tree a fine, soft bloom. Its appeal to pollinating insects adds a second, ecological layer to its ornamental one. Taken as a whole, it is a plant that repays a little attention many times over.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the Paulownia group, Paulownia fortunei is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Paulownia has been studied seriously as a fast-growing timber and a bioenergy tree. Continuing work by breeders and collectors keeps good seed of this species moving through the trade.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Fortunes Paulownia for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Paulownia is one of the most useful of the fast trees. Light, straight-grained, pale wood is easy to work and is used for furniture, boxes, veneers and musical instruments, and tree has been planted for timber, shade and quick shelter. Flowers are a fine nectar source in early spring, and leaves and bark have a long traditional use. Establishment is uncomplicated, and afterwards ordinary care suffices.
Paulownia is the fastest-growing quality timber tree, its light wood prized for furniture and instruments, its flowers a folk cough remedy in China, and its carbon capture a reforestation asset.
Growing from Seed
Fortunes Paulownia is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly into a loose, well-drained seed compost, water in gently, and keep the sowing in bright light with steady moisture. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Fortunes Paulownia repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
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