How to Grow Asian Princess Tree

Asian Princess Tree

Paulownia emarginata

tree

Paulownia emarginata is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to China that produces large, heart-shaped leaves and fragrant purple-pink flowers in spring. It is valued for its rapid growth, ornamental appeal, and potential timber production. The tree is sometimes called the 'Princess Tree' and is related to the more commonly planted Paulownia tomentosa.

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Example Asian Princess Tree timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Asian Princess Tree
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Asian Princess Tree
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Asian Princess Tree dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily; tolerates partial shade but flowers more profusely in full sun

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Water: Moderate watering when establishing (first 2-3 years); drought-tolerant once mature. Water deeply during dry spells in the first season. Established trees are relatively drought-resistant.

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Spacing: 240 inches

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Days to maturity: Flowers in 2-4 years; reaches 30-50 feet in 10-15 years

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; surface roots tolerate being slightly exposed

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure for young trees Sand or perlite if soil is heavy clay Mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 6-9; marginal in zone 5 with winter protection

5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

Establishment (Year 1-2)

2 years

Young tree develops strong root system with rapid shoot growth; foliage emerges in spring after budbreak; trunk thickens noticeably

Water regularly to establish deep roots; stake if in windy location; prune competing central leaders to one main stem; protect from harsh winter winds in colder zones

Pre-flowering (Year 2-4)

2-3 years

Tree develops robust branching structure; large palmate leaves unfold; terminal buds harden in late summer as flower buds form for next spring

Continue moderate watering; minimal pruning except to shape; avoid heavy fertilization as it can reduce flowering; monitor for early pest signs

Flowering (Spring)

2-4 weeks

Fragrant purple-pink flowers appear in upright panicles before or as leaves emerge in spring; flowers last 2-3 weeks; bees and pollinators active

Do not prune during flowering; allow pollinators access; no deadheading necessary unless appearance is a concern; watch for sudden frost after warm spring weather

Seed Pod Development (Summer-Fall)

4-5 months

Flowers fade and large oblong seed pods (capsules) form, turning brown by autumn; large compound leaves provide dense shade; annual ring formation visible in increment cores

Minimal intervention; remove dead wood; prune any crossing or inward-facing branches if desired; rake fallen leaves for disease management

Dormancy (Winter)

3-4 months

Tree drops all leaves; buds remain visible on bare branches; seed pods persist and may open in late winter, releasing winged seeds; tree becomes a sculptural silhouette

In zones 5-6, mulch around base and wrap trunk if temperatures drop below -10°F; inspect for winter damage; pruning for shape can be done in late winter

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Understory shade plants (hostas, ferns, epimedium) Ornamental grasses (miscanthus, panicum) Flowering shrubs (viburnum, lilac) Nitrogen-fixing trees (alder, locust) to improve soil

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (produces juglone toxin) Surface-rooting competitors (maple, elm) Shallow-rooted plants that need consistent moisture in the understory

Common Pests

Monitor young trees; remove heavily infested branches; maintain tree vigor with proper watering; chemical control rarely needed for established trees
Improve air circulation through selective pruning; spray with sulfur or neem oil in early disease stages; avoid overhead watering
Prune affected branches; spray horticultural oil in dormant season; encourage natural predators
Hand-pick in early morning; prune heavily infested foliage; use insecticidal soap if infestation is severe

Uses

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Fast-growing timber and biomass

Household

Paulownia emarginata grows exceptionally fast (3-4 feet per year) and produces lightweight, durable wood used for veneer, furniture, and construction in Asia. It is increasingly planted for sustainable timber production in temperate regions. [source]

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Pollinator and bird food source

Wildlife

The fragrant spring flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and native pollinators early in the season when food is scarce. The numerous winged seeds are dispersed by wind and provide food for some bird species. [source]

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Ornamental and landscape feature

Craft

The large bold foliage, fragrant flowers, and rapid growth make it an attractive specimen tree for parks, large gardens, and urban landscapes. Its open branching structure and winter silhouette provide year-round interest. [source]

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Traditional Chinese medicine

Medicinal

Paulownia leaves and bark have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for respiratory and inflammatory conditions, though clinical evidence is limited. The plant contains bioactive compounds being studied for potential health applications. [source]

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Environmental restoration and erosion control

Household

The tree's rapid growth and deep root system make it useful for reforestation, erosion control, and restoration of degraded soils. It can tolerate poor soil conditions and help restore land on steep slopes. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Paulownia emarginata is not typically harvested for fruit/food. For timber production: harvest at 10-15 years when diameter reaches 8-12 inches. Seed pods can be collected in late autumn/winter for propagation or ornamental use. Seeds require cold stratification (30 days at 4°C) or scarification before spring sowing.

Fun Facts

🌱 Paulownia emarginata can grow 3-4 feet per year in ideal conditions, making it one of the fastest-growing temperate trees—faster than most pines and faster than black locust.
🌱 The plant is called the 'Princess Tree' in English markets but is known as 'Foxglove Tree' in some regions due to its tubular flowers resembling digitalis; it is unrelated to actual foxglove plants.
🌱 In its native China, Paulownia wood is traditionally used to make zithers (guzheng) and other musical instruments because it is lightweight, resonant, and works with fine carvings—a single tree can be worth significant money.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade

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