Paulownia adam or dragon tree. About paulownia. Billions of air pores

Rarely enough in our gardens you can find such a mysterious and incredible beautiful plant like Adam's tree, or paulownia. Usually, paulownia felt, or imperial, is called Adam's tree - this is the same species, only it has different names. Some, in the old fashioned way, rank this plant in the family of either Norichnikov or Bignoniaceae, but at present it is correct to attribute the Adam tree to the Paulownia family, although this does not really matter to gardening enthusiasts. It is much more important to know how to create favorable conditions for this beauty in your garden.

Paulownia should be planted in a warm and sunny place, but protected from wind and drafts.

Paulownia is a deciduous tree with large heart-shaped leaves and clusters of large lilac-white flowers. It blooms before the leaves open. It grows wild in the Far East, China and Japan. This tree is cultivated in countries with a suitable climate: mild warm winter and wet summers.

In most regions of the CIS, it is very difficult to create more or less tolerable conditions for paulownia, since in our winters it almost always freezes. But the root system of the plant does not die, and every year it can grow anew. Given the rapid growth (from a meter to three per season), this option may be quite acceptable for amateur gardeners. Interestingly, under these conditions, paulownia leaves grow much larger than in its native places - up to 50 cm in diameter.

Paulownia seeds in mid-latitudes do not ripen, and often it does not even bloom. When the entire ground part freezes completely in winter, gardeners have to grow this plant as a perennial, and not as a tree. Its main advantage in this case is beautiful leaves and fast growth, so sometimes it is used, for example, to restore forests after fires, to protect soil from erosion. In addition, the leaves are added to animal feed. And in those parts where climatic conditions are more favorable, you can try to grow paulownia in the form of a tree.

Growing paulownia in the garden

Unfortunately, in the middle latitudes, paulownia fruits are not able to ripen.

A place for this beauty must be chosen taking into account her love of light and warmth: a southern or southwestern slope is preferable, or any sufficiently sunny place, protected from cold winds by a building, other plants, a fence. Paulownia looks better as a "tapeworm", that is, one tree in the middle of a lawn, lawns, possibly surrounded by low shrubs. Planting it next to other trees is not worth it, as the paulownia root system can suppress the "neighbors".

Adam's tree is undemanding to the soil: it can grow on both sandy and clay soils. However, for growing a tree, sandy loamy soil will be optimal, since in this case the wood matures better.

Dense clay soil collects more moisture, but warms up more slowly, is supplied with oxygen worse, and although paulownia gives more growth on it, it freezes more often in winter.

paulownia reproduction

Planting Adam's tree sprouts in open ground any time from spring to autumn.

Paulownia can be propagated both by seeds and vegetatively - cuttings, root shoots. However, in our latitudes, as mentioned above, the seeds do not ripen, and the plant gives very little root growth. Cuttings suitable for rooting cannot be collected from one plant either. That is why the beautiful Adam tree is doomed to continue to be a rarity in our gardens. However, seedlings can be found at garden centers or ordered online. If you search well, you can even find seeds in online stores or from amateurs.

Seed propagation is also hampered by the fact that the shelf life of seeds is no more than six months. If you are lucky enough to get fresh seeds, then their germination rate is quite high and you can grow several excellent seedlings. When sowing, do not cover the seeds with earth. The soil mixture for sowing can either be bought in a store or prepared independently from one part of soddy soil, two parts of lowland peat and two of sand. One part of biohumus can also be added to this mixture. Before seed germination, it is necessary to maintain high soil moisture, after which it should be moderate in order to prevent fungal diseases.

Since transplanting for small sprouts is too much stress, you can plant 3-4 seeds in one peat cup or in a special peat or coconut "pill" for seedlings. If all germinate, it will be necessary to choose one of the strongest sprouts over time, and cut off the rest. There is no need to try to plant them, because their root system is actually the same and when separated, all sprouts are weakened. And when cutting off the “competitors”, their roots will continue to serve the remaining sprout and make it much stronger.

As soon as the roots of the seedlings appear on the side surfaces of the "tablet", then it's time to transplant the seedlings into larger containers. To do this is as easy as shelling pears: pour soil mixture on the bottom, put a “tablet” or a peat cup with seedlings on top, pour soil around and quite a bit on top, pour. The shell of the "tablets" and the cup do not interfere with the growth of the roots and eventually completely dissolve in the soil, so it is not necessary to remove them on purpose.

Planting paulownia

You can transplant paulownia seedlings into open ground in spring, summer, and autumn. The best way to do this is by transshipment:

• we take out the plant from the pot along with the earthy clod;
• carefully place it in the prepared hole;
• pour the earth;
• water abundantly;
• we mulch.

With this method, planting time really does not play a fundamental role and seedlings take root well in most cases.

You need to prepare pits for planting a little ahead of time. So that a young tree does not cause trouble, when planting it is necessary to provide it with nutrients and space for "manoeuvre", that is, for the growth of the root system. The roots of paulownia go several meters deep, so it’s not enough just to dig a hole, you also need to loosen the soil under it at least to the depth of a spade bayonet. It is most convenient to do this with the help of garden pitchforks. The dimensions of the landing pit are approximately 50-60 cm both in length and width, and in depth. The mixture for backfilling the pit is made from soddy soil, humus or compost and sand. The root neck of the seedling does not need to be deepened or raised above the ground.

paulownia care

Paulownia furniture is environmentally friendly and fireproof, light, and inexpensive.

Adam's tree is a rather unpretentious plant. It is not particularly demanding on soil fertility, although it reacts very positively to organic top dressing. The source of such top dressing can be a good layer of mulch in the near-stem circle. Dry leaves, straw, hay, peat, compost can be used as mulch. Periodically, an infusion of weeds can be added to the water for irrigation.

Although paulownia is drought-resistant, it grows and develops better with good moisture, so in dry weather you need abundant watering under the root. Sprinkler watering will not only not be beneficial, but will only promote the formation of superficial roots, which are more vulnerable to drought. In hot and dry weather, paulownia leaves lose their turgor and wither, but this should not be frightened, because at night they safely return to their normal state. If the plant is already several years old, it was properly planted and developed normally, it practically does not need watering, since the roots are able to extract moisture from the deep layers of the soil.

Almost the only pest that can negatively affect paulownia is the slug. To protect the plant from this glutton, you can add pine or spruce needles, oak leaves and bark to the mulch, plant a tree with borage or rosemary.

Paulownia is very popular in Japan. When a daughter is born in the family, this tree is planted in the courtyard of the house. It grows so fast that when a girl comes of age, paulownia wood is made into a piece of furniture for her as a dowry. We are unlikely to succeed in growing paulownia for wood, just as getting a small beautifully flowering tree in our area is also a great success.

Paulownia is a paradoxical plant, it is impossible to pass by it. Its homeland is tropical latitudes, but it may well grow in the climatic conditions of the middle zone. This culture is foreign, but its name is so sweet to Russian ears. Indeed, he is of Russian origin.

Paulownia was named after the daughter of Paul I, Anna Pavlovna, since foreign botanists unfamiliar with Russian culture took the patronymic of the Grand Duchess for her middle name.

The genus Paulownia (Paulownia) of the norichnikov family, according to the latest ideas, includes six species, and all of them, except for felt paulownia (P. tomentosa), to which this topic is devoted, are herbaceous plants.

About paulownia

Paulownia felt in natural conditions grows in the mountainous tropics of Central and Western China, approximately at the same latitude as the Iraqi Baghdad or the US state of Texas. At home, this is a single-stemmed tree, usually reaching a height of 6-8 m (up to a maximum of 20 m). In Russia, it is no longer quite a tree, but rather a perennial giant grass that grows annually. The leaves of paulownia felt are heart-shaped or slightly lobed. Leaf blades on both sides are abundantly pubescent with small light hairs, which is why they have a felt surface of a grayish-green color. In the homeland of the plant, the leaf size reaches 15 - 20 cm, however, individual leaf plates can be thirty centimeters. Oddly enough, but middle lane paulownia leaves grow even larger than in the tropics. In our garden, for example, they often outgrow 0.5 m. If you add a very long petiole to the leaf blade, then the total length of the leaf can exceed 100-110 cm. Just imagine what will happen if such a leaf falls on you in leaf fall!

The explanation for this growth of foliage is as follows. The root system of paulownia felt is more resistant to frost than the ground part of the plant. The trunk freezes out every year, as a rule, almost completely, but sometimes - in mild and snowy winters - it can remain up to a height of 10 - 50 cm. At the same time, the roots hardly suffer, moreover, they grow from year to year, steadily increasing feeding capacity. Getting all the necessary nutrients, the plant sends them to the foliage. Hence the impressive size of the leaves.

Paulownia flowers have a bluish-purple color and a bell-shaped structure, like foxglove or gloxinia flowers. The tubular base of the flower is slightly curved and ends with a five-lobed bell-shaped throat, reaching a diameter of 5-6 cm. The flowers are collected in large paniculate inflorescences located at the ends of the branches.

Paulownia is a beautiful park tree, unusually spectacular in flowering, and the rest of the time it attracts with large foliage. But, unfortunately, there are few places in Russia where paulownia felt is able to reveal its beauty in full? therefore, few gardeners are trying to grow it on their site. The plant is able to bloom and set seeds only on the coast of the Caspian and Black Seas, the south of Primorye, as well as in the Kaliningrad region.

As already mentioned, in central Russia, paulownia felt annually freezes almost to the ground and renews from the root or from dormant buds preserved on the stump. Her flower buds are formed at the ends of the lateral shoots of the previous year. That is why we do not get to flowering.

Paulownia felt may be of interest to gardeners for various reasons. Take at least its unusual name. By the way, it should be pronounced with an emphasis on the first syllable, that is, on the letter “a”, since this is a derivative of the patronymic of the Grand Duchess Anna Pavlovna of Russia, daughter of Emperor Paul I. Also noteworthy appearance plants - huge burdock leaves make an indelible impression.

Paulownia has another name - "Adam's tree". And the large leaves of paulownia felt are to blame for such a strange name. They, according to botanists, could well serve as clothing for Adam.

As already noted, of the six types of paulownia, five are herbs. But the felt species, although listed as a tree, is not so far removed from the grass. From below, it resembles a tree, the trunk is about 10 cm in diameter, and the height of the plant is 4-4.5 m. At the same time, the trunk of paulownia felt woody partially - no more than a meter in height, and above it is more like grass. Inside, the trunk is not filled, has a cavity, like that of bamboo, and is so fragile that, with a shoot diameter of the stalk of a shovel, it is easy to break it with a simple movement of the hand.

Paulownia enters the growing season in the second decade of May. Even its very first sprouts attract attention with an unusually dense pubescence - neither give nor take a short coat. But at first the plant does not show a tendency to gigantism, and at first it even lags behind local fast-growing grasses in terms of growth rate. But by the middle of summer, when our forbs complete the most active phase of growth, paulownia felt continues to develop continuously until September.

Paulownia leaves fall with the first frost - in early October, without changing their gray-green color. So already in the first decade of the month, only straight sticks, similar to shafts, will stand on the site, the foot of which is completely covered by a tobacco-gray blanket.

Growing paulownia felt in the garden

It is necessary to plant paulownia felt in open places with the complete absence of lateral shading and at a safe distance from large trees from the point of view of underground competition. In the garden, a gentle south-western slope, protected from the north winds, and a consistently high snow cover will be an ideal place.

As you know, heavy clay soils are considered cold, and sandy - warm. On sandy soils, trees produce smaller growths, but their wood matures better, and they begin to shed their leaves earlier. Clay soils warm up more slowly and are less aerated. Clay stores more moisture, which is why the wood ripens here at a later date. Thus, it can be reasonably stated that trees freeze more often on deep-lying clays than on light soils.

Paulownia felt tolerates transplantation well. In rainy weather and with certain precautions, it can be transplanted throughout the first half of the summer until the beginning of August. Its roots turned out to be thick, to match the trunk, but are easily chopped with a spade. A stump seedling quickly takes root in a new place, despite significant damage to the root system.

Before planting, the soil should be cultivated at least to the depth of a spade bayonet, and preferably two. A landing pit is prepared with a depth of 50-60 cm and a diameter of 70-100 cm. A suitable composition of the soil substrate is a mixture of soddy soil, humus and sand with a ratio of parts 1:2:2 or 1:2:3.

Despite the large leaves, paulownia felt is a fairly drought-resistant plant. In the extremely hot summer, paulownia needs water, and if it is not enough for a plant with half a meter leaves, this will be a real test. The foliage of the tree will instantly lose turgor and sag. At maximum temperature, the leaves may dry at the edges. However, with the onset of rains, the plant will recover.

Although the culture agrees to grow on the most infertile substrates, its growth rate and final size are directly dependent on the presence of humus in the soil. The main fertilizer is shown to be applied in the spring under a shallow digging of the trunk circle. Usually in the middle of May, pour a wheelbarrow of humus at the base of the tree and plant it in the soil within a radius of 50 - 70 cm from the trunk.

The formation of the paulownia tree is to normalize the number of trunks. Single stemmed trees look best. Therefore, on the very early stage growth break out excess shoots.

Of the pests, the main enemies of paulownia felt in the middle lane are. In wet weather at night, they can climb a tree and eat very noticeable holes in the leaves.

In France, paulownia is propagated from seeds. In our conditions, obtaining seeds is impossible, which means that only methods of vegetative propagation are suitable. The simplest is seating the offspring. But their tree generates a few units. A more productive way is green cuttings. For this, “tops” appearing from sleeping kidneys are used. But this method does not allow growing enough seedlings. Therefore, paulownia felt is doomed to remain a rarity.

This plant is native to China. Paulownia or Adam's tree grows very quickly. It is valued for its light wood, from which furniture, shelving, pressed materials, plywood, and musical instruments are made.

Despite the fact that the tree is accustomed to a tropical climate, it can often be found in central Russia, where a temperate climate prevails. Paulownia is used mainly for decorating gardens, parks, squares. It impresses with its size.

Paulownia, although a deciduous tree, can grow up to 20 meters in height. But there are also individuals of 10-15 meters.

The crown of the Adam tree is lush and sprawling, has the shape of a ball or oval. The branches originate from a wide and strong trunk, the diameter of which reaches about half a meter, and sometimes this value can reach 80-90 cm.

The branches of the tree hang down to the ground. The branches and trunk are usually gray, with a brownish tinge, in color. The bark is quite smooth, it has longitudinal furrows.

Paulownia leaves are very large, heart-shaped, 30-40 cm long and 25-35 wide. Their color is rich green.

Due to the fact that the lower leaves resemble felt material, it is also called Felt Paulownia. Its huge leaves hang on long cuttings. top leaves On the contrary, they are soft and fluffy. The first leaves appear in late spring, so they fall late - before the first hard frosts.

The flowers of the tree bloom at the same time that the first leaves appear. Sometimes flowering begins before the leaves appear. Therefore, you can often find blooming Paulownia without leaves.

This unusual tree blooms profusely. Its flowers are purple, sometimes various shades are added to the main color: from light pink to darker blue. Often found - a blue tint.

The flowers are in the shape of an elongated large bell. The diameter of each bell is about 5-7 cm. Many of these flowers are collected in inflorescences that resemble a broom. Its dimensions are amazing: 35-40 cm in length.

During the flowering period, Paulownia exudes a pleasant delicate aroma. The flowering period begins in spring, and ends only in July, then seeds in boxes appear in place of the flowers. They ripen in October and remain to winter on the branches. The laying of color for the next spring begins immediately after the color disappears, in the summer.

Paulownia grows in China, Japan, Crimea, the Far East and Ukraine.

cultivation

Outdoors:

Paulownia is an ornamental and low maintenance tree. The only drawback of this tree is its low winter hardiness.

In the Krasnodar Territory and the Crimea, where the climate is warm, Paulownia quickly grows from a seedling into a luxurious sprawling tree. In areas with severe winters, its young branches die. But Paulownia can be grown even under such conditions, if it is well insulated (the plant easily leaves).

Paulownia prefers soil of any acidity: both slightly acidic and strongly alkaline. But the best option- medium-nutrient light soil or loam.

The tree feels great on the sunny side in a 1x1 m hole. You need to insert a support peg into the hole, and next to it is the plant itself. It must be tied to a peg, covered with soil and watered abundantly.

The first years of garden Paulownia require regular watering and pruning to give the desired shape to the crown. Feeding also plays a big role.

In room conditions:

The earth in the Paulownia pot should not be waterlogged, otherwise the formation of wood may be slow. Therefore, the plant should be watered moderately (up to 2 years, the plant is watered 2 times a month).

reproduction

Paulownia can be propagated in three ways:

In stores, Paulownia seeds are very rare. They have good germination only for the first 6 months, and then the ability to germinate is lost. Therefore, you should pay attention to the expiration date written on the package.

Sowing is done in early spring in a low container. Seeds are evenly laid out on a damp surface and lightly sprinkled with earth, covered with foil and placed in a warm, sunny place. Sprouts will appear in 28-35 days. When they have 1-2 pairs of good leaves, they should be divided into separate containers.

• cuttings.
• Root offspring.

Cuttings and root offspring from the tree are taken in spring or autumn. But the escape should not be too long. During planting, the cutting is inserted into the hole to the level of the soil or left 3-4 cm above the surface. Otherwise, the young trunk will bend. If the root starts several shoots, you need to leave the strongest, and remove the others with pruners.

Paulownia is responsive to fertilizers containing minerals throughout the growing season. Feeding should be stopped after the leaves begin to fall.

Adam tree care

The period of active growth of the Adam tree begins in mid-April and lasts 2 weeks. Care is:

• In timely weeding. This is especially important at the beginning of the growth of seedlings. It is forbidden to resort to chemicals in weed control, as the Adam tree is susceptible to poisons and may die.
• In hilling.
• In regular watering: 1-2 times a week.
• In feeding.

What to feed

In the first year of life, the tree is fed once a week with high-nitrogen fertilizers, dissolving them in water. Top dressing for an Adam tree will serve well as a layer of mulch laid out around the trunk. Mulch consists of:

1. Seine;
2. dry leaves;
3. straw;
4. compost;
5. Peat.

In the water for watering the tree, you can add an infusion of weeds.

Diseases and pests

Paulownia is often affected by the blackleg. This happens when there are violations. temperature regime and watering, excessive humidity of air and soil. For prevention, it is recommended to treat the soil, seeds and seedlings with Baktofit and Fitosporin. The same fungicides will cure diseased plants.

Paulownia trees, especially weak and young ones, are attacked by scale insects and aphids. Modern insecticides will save Paulownia from these insects.

Many gardeners admire Paulownia, but note that it is very difficult to grow a tree from seeds, and if they succeed in doing this, then the seedlings will be weak and problematic. But propagation by cuttings is very effective method grow it beautiful tree in my country house.

Adam's, sapphire or dragon tree - all these are the names of one plant, in the botanical classification known as Paulownia from the genus and family of the same name. It is a real leader among hardwoods in terms of growth rate, has high-quality wood. However, gardeners and landscape designers do not appreciate it for this. Paulownia is a tree with an incredibly exotic and beautiful view especially during the flowering period. It is unpretentious in culture, grows rapidly, but is thermophilic. How to grow it from seeds, the features of planting in the ground, the rules of care - all this you will find in the article.

plant description

The tree owes its sonorous and unusual name to German scientists: botanist J. Zuccarini and physician F. Siebold. After discovering and describing the plant for the first time, they gave it a name in honor of the Queen of the Netherlands, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg Anna Pavlovna. The birthplace of the tree is Southeast Asia, Laos, Vietnam, Taiwan, in Russia it occurs naturally in the Far East. The genus includes four species; the imperial (or felt) variety has been introduced into the landscape gardening culture.

The deciduous paulownia tree has a straight trunk with a spreading wide crown, large leaves (up to 25-30 cm in length), arranged oppositely on long petioles. The shape is vaguely reminiscent of birch. The leaf blade is three-lobed or deep-toothed with entire edges, without stipules.

The decorativeness of the tree is especially impressive in spring, when many large pale lilac tubular flowers bloom on it, collected in an upright panicle resembling candles. A dense aroma fills the space around, attracting pollinating insects. It is recognized that it is a good honey plant, on a par with acacia. Honey has a pronounced aroma, transparent, light in texture, light in color.

According to current data on the nomenclature of modern and fossil species that belong to the plant kingdom, the genus Paulownia has seven species. Let us dwell on the description and features of each of them in more detail.

sapphire tree

His scientific name- Paulownia kawakamii. It is characterized by fairly rapid growth, by the age of three it reaches a meter height. The flowers are painted in a deep sapphire blue with a yellow center. Very light-loving, the more sun, the better plant will develop. Choose well-lit landing sites. Resistant to weather conditions, temperature drops down to -17°C and at the same time heat-resistant wood. Paulownia of this species prefers well-drained clay soils with an environmental reaction ranging from 5.5 to 8.5.

Paulownia Fortune

Spectacular tree, reaching a height of up to 12 meters, homeland - China. The trunk is straight, the crown is branched, wide. Heart-shaped large leaves are arranged oppositely. The flowers are collected in paniculate inflorescences, the characteristic shade is cream with a dark middle. After flowering, pods up to 5 cm long are formed. Known as a house plant, it develops in the form of a decorative "fluffy" bush. In care unpretentious and adapts to external conditions. This species is thermophilic, prefers mild winters with a maximum decrease in air temperature to -9°C.

Paulownia elongata

It is a tall and fast growing tree. Paulownia elongata, like other species, has a developed branched root system. Flowers with a characteristic pale lavender or white hue and a yellow center. The flowering period is long - up to 6 months. A tree with a slender, straight trunk, branched and spreading crown. Air temperature range from -10°С to +48°С. The leaves have a characteristic heart-shaped shape, light green in color, on a long petiole, without stipules.

paulownia catalpolista

In appearance and features, this species is something between paulownia elongata and felt. The plant is a champion in growth rate among deciduous trees. Annual growth under favorable environmental conditions is up to 4 meters. After 3-4 years, paulownia reaches the size that is typical for other trees at the age of 20 years. Flowers in shape resemble foxglove, large, with bent petals. The color ranges from pale lilac to almost white. The leaves are characteristic, with smooth edges and a long petiole.

paulownia tomentosa

A popular tree in production and culture. Paulownia felt or tomentosa is a valuable landscape gardening species that is most actively used in areas with a hot and humid climate. The flowers are of a delicate lilac shade, large, collected in an upright paniculate inflorescence. The fruit is a round biconvex capsule. It is valued not only for its decorative qualities, but also for its soft and durable wood. In Japan and China, it is actively used to create musical instruments, sports equipment, trinkets, souvenirs, etc.

Paulownia fargesii

Less well-known species in landscape gardening culture. This paulownia is a tree (pictured above) that is commercially important and widely cultivated. The species is thought to be of hybrid origin from kawakamii and Fortune. At least since its discovery in 1975, quite weighty evidence has been found for this statement: the features of the morphological structure, the similarity of the set of enzymes. The growth rate is high - up to 4 m per season under favorable conditions. The crown is uneven, spreading. Lilac flowers with a dark purple center.

Paulownia tree: planting and care

Representatives of the genus Paulownia are very similar to each other and their care is generally the same. All of them are long-lived in the garden and can grow for 100 years. Trees are not demanding on soil fertility and can vegetate even on soils with a lime content of up to 2%. The question lies elsewhere. If you want to get beautiful, slim and flowering plant, then it is best to provide it with moderately moist, well-drained soil with pH = 6, clay. The tree does not like extremes: drought and waterlogging.

Seedlings are planted in the ground both in autumn (after the leaves fall) and in spring. You should first prepare a landing pit, the size of which depends on the root system (an average of 0.6x0.6x0.6 m). At the bottom, make drainage, then fill in a small layer of soil, straighten the roots of the plant, while the root collar should remain at the level of the soil, and gradually fill it with prepared fertile soil. The exotic paulownia tree (species description above) should be planted in well-lit and open areas where there is light shading for several hours, protected from cold winds in winter and drafts in summer. It has fragile wood, so it is easily damaged. All species have an average frost resistance. Confidently withstand a short-term drop in temperature to -20 ... -25 ° C, however, flower buds freeze at the same time. In the first years after planting for the winter, the tree should be slightly warmed.

Watering and fertilizing

The tree is thermophilic and moisture-loving. It needs regular watering, especially when young (the first two or three years) and during high summer temperatures. distribution of moisture for paulownia is undesirable, as it will stimulate the development of a superficial root system, which will spoil the appearance. Water the tree deep. Do not use various kinds of insecticides in the immediate vicinity of it, as the plant is very sensitive to them. The need for mineral and organic fertilizers exists at a young age and under the condition of infertile, depleted soil. In all other cases, paulownia develops normally without top dressing. This is due to the ability of the plant to adapt to the composition of the soil and specific natural and climatic conditions.

Adam's tree (paulownia): reproduction

Reproduction is possible in three ways: seeds, cuttings and root offspring. In the first case, all amateur gardeners should be warned. In specialized stores, paulownia seeds are not often found, but still they are. It is important to remember that they retain good germination only in the first six months, and then they begin to rapidly lose their ability to germinate. So that the purchase and the expectation of the result are not in vain, take into account the terms indicated on the package. Sowing is carried out in early spring in a shallow container. Seeds are carefully distributed over a moistened surface and only lightly sprinkled with earth, covered with glass and placed in a warm and bright place. Seedlings appear after 4-5 weeks. When they have 1-2 pairs of true leaves, they should be planted in separate pots.

Cuttings and root suckers from the tree can be taken in spring or autumn. In the first case, the branch should not be too long. When planting, bury the cutting to the level of the soil, or leave it 3-4 cm above the surface. Otherwise, the new trunk will bend. If there are several shoots from the root, leave the strongest one, and cut off the others with pruners.

About wood

As already mentioned, paulownia is a fast-growing tree, moreover, it is the leader in this indicator among hardwoods. In this regard, the commercial benefit from its planting will be received after three years. The lion's share of sales is in Southeast Asia, as this is the natural habitat of the plant, it has been used by humans in this region for about 1000 years. Everything is made from wood: from building materials to biofuels. First, she has a light weight and according to this indicator takes the second place after balsa. Paulownia is like aluminum in the world of metals. Secondly, it has outstanding strength indicators, including tensile strength. Thirdly, it is a good heat insulator, fire resistant. In Japan, for a long time, chests were made from its wood, in which only the most valuable things were stored in order to protect them in case of fire.

Paulownia is an exotic tree for temperate climates.

It is rarely found in the parks of these latitudes, however, it is common in the Far East.

Let's find out whether it is possible to grow it on your site and how to do it correctly.

Description and photo

Paulownia or Adam's tree is a deciduous tree from the Paulownia family. It is predominantly grown in Japan, Korea, Vietnam and China. It can also be found in the south of Russia, Ukraine, Europe, North America and in the Caucasus.
A fast-growing plant, the average height is 9 to 15 m, and some species can reach 22 m in height.

The crown grows up to 6 m. The diameter of the trunk is 110-115 cm. Paulownia has large deltoid leaves, 25 cm wide and 30 cm long. The flowers of the tree bloom in spring before the leaves appear. They are pale purple with a yellow center.

The flowers are bell-shaped and grow 20-30 cm long. The fruit is an ovoid box with a large number of winged seeds.

Adam's tree lives up to 100 years. Paulownia is used to make furniture, musical instruments and other items from. Its advantage is soft wood.

Did you know? In Japan, there used to be a custom: if a girl was born, then the parents planted paulownia. When an adult girl got married, a chest was made from paulownia wood, in which they put all the dowry.

Also certain types cultivated as well as planted in parks and squares.

Popular types

There are 5 to 7 types of Adam tree. Let's look at the description of the most popular types of paulownia tree with a photo.

Paulownia felt or imperial tree. The habitat of the species covers China, Europe and North America.

The plant has a spreading ovoid crown, pale purple (sometimes white) flowers and large leaves. Flowers bloom more often before the appearance of leaves, less often - during. The leaves fall off in late autumn.

This species can reach 20 m in height. The plant does not tolerate winter temperatures below -20 ° C, therefore it is not suitable for growing in northern regions. It is grown as a garden plant, because large leaves give a good shade.

Paulownia Fargheza. Cultivated in the mountainous provinces of China and Vietnam. This species grows up to 20 m. It is distinguished by its white flowers. Leaves 30-35 cm long, 25 cm wide. Flowering begins in early spring. Tolerates drought well.

Paulownia Farghesa can be confused with the Catalpa tree, because both plants have white bell-shaped flowers and large leaves. But catalpas bloom at the end of May, when a dense crown of leaves is already formed.

Also, the catalpa fruit is a pod that can reach 50 cm. But both trees have a similar habitat.

paulownia oblongata or Paulownia elongated. The habitat covers China. Grows up to 10 m in height. The leaves are ovoid, pubescent on the underside. Paulownia oblongata forms purple-pink inflorescences.

Paulownia Fortune. The species is native to the highlands of China, but is also known in Taiwan, Vietnam, and North America. An adult tree can be 30 m high. The leaves are large, like any other species of the Pavlovniev family.

Fortuna is distinguished by its trunk (2 m in diameter), as well as young shoots and inflorescences that have a yellowish pubescence. The flowers are light purple up to 25 cm in length.

Growing conditions

Paulownia is a plant with a high degree of adaptability. In the wild, it grows in mountainous areas, but the optimal height above sea level for cultivation is 700-800 m. The main condition for growing is a warm, humid climate.

Lighting and location

Any of the above types of paulownia should take a sunny place. The optimum temperature in spring and summer is +24-33°C. Paulownia can withstand winds up to 7-8 m / s, but no more.

Particularly susceptible to strong gusts of wind are young ones, whose trunk is not stiff enough. Therefore, if possible, grow it in calm areas.

Paulownia is transplanted to a permanent place when the seedling is already 1 year old.

Optimal soil

The plant is not picky about. It will grow well in sandy soils. The pH value is allowed from 5 pH to 8.9 pH. But the best will be within 6.5 pH.

Worth avoiding heavy soils, for example, with a high content of clay. In this case, it will be bad to pass water and the tree will die.

Landing technology

The technology of planting a tree depends on the climate in which the plant will develop. In temperate latitudes, it is difficult to grow paulownia from seeds, as there may not be any material.

After all, the Adam tree usually does not set fruit under uncomfortable temperature conditions. In this case, an excellent option would be.
Growing paulownia from offspring can also be difficult. Despite the rapid growth of the tree in height, the root system develops slowly.

If you have a ready-made seedling, then it is planted along with an earth clod. The pit should be 3-4 cm in diameter larger than the earthen ball, so that there is room for backfilling the soil mixture.

And it is prepared from 1 part of sod land, 2 parts and 2 parts of sand. After you have compacted the ground, the seedling needs to be watered abundantly. Please note that when planting a seedling, the root neck should be at ground level.

from seed

If you decide to grow paulownia from seeds, then you cannot bury them in the ground when planting. Paulownia, like, is sown directly on the soil. You can do this in various ways.

1 way: using a napkin.

For this you need any plastic container with small lid. At the bottom you need to put a regular napkin. Preferably loose. Then moisten with water from a spray bottle.

Sprinkle a small amount of seeds and moisten them also with water. After covering the container with seeds, put it in the refrigerator for two days.

After the expiration date, the container must be moved to a sunny place and left for 10 days. Ventilate the container every 2-3 days. From 10 to 14 days, the seeds begin to germinate. It is at this time that they need to be placed in a pot with nutrient soil.
After that, sprinkle the germinated seeds with a small amount of earth, but be careful, they cannot be completely covered with earth. Pour in water. The tree grows quickly, so this sowing of seeds is done in the fall, so that at the beginning of summer it is already possible to plant a small tree.

Important! The seeds are moved on a napkin, in no case try to "remove" them.

2 way: sprouting immediately in a pot.

To do this, you will need a small pot of nutritious soil. It must be filled to such a level that the water still remains in it for at least 10 days. That is, to make a kind of "swamp".

Then sift the seeds there and wait 10-14 days until the seeds sprout. But do not forget that the pot must be covered with cling film and the seeds aired every two days.
The advantage of this method, like the first one, is that you do not need to monitor the seedlings. It is enough to give the optimal amount of sunlight and moisture. But the second method includes one minus: when excess water that is not absorbed within 14 days, the seedlings will die.

Important! Seeds should be sown immediately after harvest or purchase, as after 6 months they lose their germination.

From cuttings

Cuttings are best taken from a young tree (which is 2-3 years old). They are buried in loose, moist soil completely. Sometimes you can leave a small part of the cutting above the ground (2-4 cm).

When several shoots appear already more than 10 cm, the strongest and highest are left, while others are removed. Cuttings are recommended in early spring.

From root offspring

Paulownia is rarely grown from root suckers, because the plant has a weakly branched root system that develops slowly. Therefore, very often it is not possible to get high-quality material.