All about a Princess Tree (Paulownia)
Jason, zone 7A, near Greensboro NC
6 months ago
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sam_md
6 months agoRelated Discussions
Royal Paulownia tree
Comments (1)Oh, ah, I dont think there will be any problems with allergies, because the flowers do not have airborne pollen. Most showy flowering trees that attract insects do not cause allergies to tell the truth because the pollen is heavy and not transported by wind. The nonshowy trees such oaks and ash are the tree pollen culprits, usually. There is a extensive topic already with many of our forum inhabitant's diverse and colorful opinions on this tree. Opinion is all over the map, we discuss this topic in [too] much detail here,(http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/trees/msg0513042729678.html?73) [link below] Beautiful in flower, but unpopular here. You can read the topic and decide for yourself if it is right for you. Here is a link that might be useful: http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/trees/msg0513042729678.html?73...See MorePaulownia tree/Dragon tree
Comments (6)Fascinating tree with a long historical background. Dragon tree's sap has a long record of use in Chinese medicines. Before Mao came to power, Chinese intellectuals gathered for companionship in groves of paulownias, as they are said to promote chun-tzu, the becoming of a man of complete virtue. In Chinese legend, the tree was an omen of good fortune because of its association with the phoenix, since like the mythical bird, thay sometimes regenerate after a fire. All Paulownia trees are highly sensitive to insecticides and weed killers and will die or be severely damaged if exposed to them. It shouldn't be hard to poison the stump with something like Glyphos, but I never use those sort of herbicides, so I'm not certain....See MoreKilling an Empress Tree AKA Royal Paulownia or Princess
Comments (1)You don't say where you are, but perhaps the Department of Primary Industries in your state might be able to help. There is a WA article here on the dangers of suckering trees "exploding" in reaction to being lopped. I guess the trick would have been to poison the tree first, but its easy to say things in hindsight. You might be advised to call in a professional now, perhaps they can do some cutting or root barriers but otherwise I guess you will just have to keep going with the drillings and injections. I had a problem with a Robinia - and actually native tuckeroo can also be a problem, eventually you will defeat it but makes it difficult to grow other things. Here is a link that might be useful: suckering trees...See MoreReplacement Shade Trees for Empress Trees (Paulownia tomentosa)
Comments (19)Don't plant a Magnolia if you're worried about mess. Someone planted one 50 years ago next to our pool. It is absolutely beautiful and give great shade to the south side of the house, BUT it is very, very messy. The large leaves drop all year, heaviest in the spring, and they take years to decompose. In the summer the beautiful flowers drop bud sheaths and then petals. Later in fall, heavy cones drop and bring tons of squirrels who pull them apart after the seeds and leave a mess everywhere. Plus the cones are kinda spiky, painful if you accidentally step on one, plus a tripping hazard. So yes, a beautiful majestic tree...for the outer edges of a property, not near a patio. You have been warned, lol. The Africarpus gracilior is a pretty good choice, they do get huge with age, but are fast and pretty clean, and handle heat and soil compaction well. Josue Diaz's suggestion of Brachychiton populneus is a good choice too, lovely tree, too tender for where I am, but should do great for you. Stan's suggestion of a Tristaniopsis laurina is a good one too, but pretty slow growing. If you want shade soon, I'd get the largest one you can find. It will be expensive, but save you several years waiting. I love Ficus microcarpa (Indian Laurel)! Beautiful tree, gorgeous white smooth trunk! I just got back from visiting my daughter in San Luis Obispo and the downtown streets are lined with them and they're very majestic. Do be aware that they can get very large buttress roots with age, but if you give them lots of root room near the patio, but not right next to or in the patio, they should be fine....See MoreJean
6 months agosam_md
6 months agoJason, zone 7A, near Greensboro NC
6 months agolaceyvail 6A, WV
6 months agobengz6westmd
6 months agoJason, zone 7A, near Greensboro NC
6 months agolaceyvail 6A, WV
6 months agofloraluk2
6 months agorusty_blackhaw
6 months agolast modified: 6 months ago
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