Foxglove Tree: Care Guide
Introduction
The Foxglove Tree, known botanically as Paulownia tomentosa, is one of the most spectacular ornamental trees you can grow in the UK. Prized for its enormous heart-shaped leaves, stunning violet-purple foxglove-like flowers, and extraordinary growth rate, it makes a bold statement in any garden. Native to central and western China, it has naturalised widely and thrives in sheltered UK positions.
Position & Aspect
- Full sun to partial shade — best flowering in a sunny, sheltered spot
- Shelter from strong winds — large leaves are susceptible to wind scorch
- South or west-facing aspects are ideal
- Hardy to approximately -15°C (RHS H5) — fully hardy in most of the UK; young plants may need protection in the first winter
Soil & Planting
- Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soil
- Tolerates a wide range of soil types including sandy and loamy soils; avoid waterlogged ground
- Plant in spring once the risk of hard frost has passed
- Dig a generous planting hole; enrich with well-rotted compost or organic matter
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Stake young trees for the first 2 years to prevent wind rock
Watering
- Water regularly throughout the first growing season to establish a strong root system
- Once established, Paulownia is reasonably drought tolerant but benefits from watering during prolonged dry spells
- Avoid waterlogging — good drainage is essential
Feeding
- Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring to support vigorous growth
- A high-potassium feed in late summer helps harden growth before winter
- Avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes soft, frost-susceptible growth
Pruning
- Prune in early spring before new growth begins
- For a standard tree: remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain an open crown
- For giant foliage effect (coppicing): cut hard back to near ground level each spring — this produces enormous leaves up to 90cm across on vigorous new shoots, though at the expense of flowers
- Flowers are produced on the previous year's wood — avoid hard pruning if flowering is the priority
- Young growth can be damaged by late frosts; protect new shoots with fleece if a frost is forecast
Pests & Diseases
- Generally trouble-free and largely pest resistant
- Frost damage to flower buds is the most common issue — buds form in autumn and can be killed by hard winter frosts, resulting in no flowers the following spring
- Phytophthora root rot can occur in poorly drained soils — ensure good drainage
- Powdery mildew may appear in dry conditions — improve air circulation and water at the base
Wildlife Value
- Flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators in spring
- Large leaves provide shelter for garden wildlife
- One of the earliest flowering ornamental trees, providing an important early nectar source
Key Facts
| Botanical name | Paulownia tomentosa |
| Common name | Foxglove Tree, Empress Tree, Princess Tree |
| Family | Paulowniaceae |
| Mature height | 8–12m |
| Spread | 6–10m |
| Growth rate | Very fast |
| Hardiness | RHS H5 (hardy in most of UK) |
| Soil | Well-drained, fertile |
| Position | Full sun, sheltered |
| Flowering | April–May |
| Foliage | Deciduous |