Paulownia CATALPIFOLIA

Paulownia CATALPIFOLIA - Catalpa-leaved paulownia, Paulownia catalpifolia.

Paulownia is a genus of remarkable deciduous fast-growing trees in the Paulowniaceae family. The genus includes several species native primarily to East Asia, particularly China, Laos, and Vietnam. In recent decades, due to its unique properties, Paulownia has spread widely around the world and is actively cultivated in North America, Europe, Australia, and many other regions.

Paulownias are deciduous trees characterized by fast-growing straight trunks reaching impressive heights in a short period. The root system is powerful and deep; the crown is spreading. The smooth trunk bark has a gray coloration. The leaves are large, cordate, positioned on long petioles. The large toothed leaf blade has an entire margin.

Large violet-lilac, and sometimes almost white, bell-shaped flowers form panicle inflorescences at the ends of shoots. The fruits are hard capsules containing numerous small winged seeds.

Catalpa-leaved paulownia is a slow-growing species distinguished by its unique leaf blade resembling the shape of catalpa leaves. After the first 3 years of growth typical for the genus, it begins to grow much more slowly, adding only 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 in) in girth per year. This species adapts well to climatically unfavorable conditions.

For better germination, seeds are kept beforehand for 7-10 days on a cotton pad moistened with water containing stimulants (SUPERthrive, HB-101, Aminozol, Epin, or Zircon), then sown on the surface without burying into seed trays with fertile soil, moistened with a spray bottle, placed in a mini-greenhouse or covered with film, and germinated in light, but not in direct sun at a temperature of 20-25 °C (68-77 °F). Seedlings need ventilation. It is necessary to avoid waterlogging and drying out of the sowings.

Sprouts appear within 5 weeks. After emergence, the film should be removed more frequently so that plants become accustomed to indoor conditions and ambient air. After several leaves develop, seedlings must be pricked out into individual pots to ensure normal development. Plants grown from seeds flower in their 2nd to 3rd year.

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Paulownia thrives in places with good illumination. An open space with sufficient sunlight should be chosen. This promotes active growth and the formation of an attractive crown.

The plant prefers a warm climate and tolerates moderate frosts well. The optimal temperature for active growth is in the range from 20 °C to 30 °C (68-86 °F). It is important to provide the tree with protection against severe frosts, especially during cold winter months, to avoid damage to tender shoots and the root system.

It requires regular watering, especially during periods of drought. It is necessary to keep the soil moist while avoiding excessive moisture, which can lead to root rot. It is important to consider that young plants are more sensitive to moisture deficiency.

It prefers loose and well-drained soils. The soil should be enriched with organic fertilizers to support healthy growth. Excellent water runoff must be ensured to avoid standing water at the roots.