The first time I felt amazed by the beauty of paulownia trees was walking through my city, Barcelona. On Escultors Claperós street, in the Clot neighborhood, the paulownias give personality to a quiet walk and, above all, in the shade. I thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have at least one of these trees to keep a garden table cool.

The good news is that it can be achieved in a short time. Most trees take years, even decades, to grow tall enough to provide shade. Paulownia is an exception, since it grows rapidly —up to one meter per week!— in its early stages, which means that, if you plant it now, when summer arrives it can already be a specimen that offers freshness and refuge in your green space.

The Paulownia tomentosa, A tree from the Far East also acts as a natural mosquito repellent, providing an extra benefit to the garden without having to resort to artificial insecticides.

Unparalleled growth and beautiful flowers

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The growth rate of the Paulownia, Also known as kiri, foxglove tree or empress tree (in honor of the Russian Grand Duchess Anna Pavlovna), it makes it an ideal ally for those looking for a tree ornamental and functional in a short time. In addition, its large leaves help cool the environment and are reputed to repel mosquitoes, making it even more attractive for domestic use.

But Paulownia not only stands out for growing quickly. Their lilac or bluish flowers, which appear in spring and give it the right to be among the most appreciated garden trees, have a pleasant fragrance and they are a visual spectacle. These flowers attract bees and pollinators, promoting biodiversity in the spaces where they are planted.

On the other hand, the wood of the foxglove tree has become a highly valued resource by the industry. It is light, resistant and easy to work with, making it ideal for making furniture, doors, windows and even insulation materials.

The rapid growth of this tree also has a direct positive consequence on the environment due to its ability to absorb up to ten times more CO₂ and in less time than other species. Entire plantations of Paulownia They have been promoted in European countries as an additional tool in the fight against climate change. In addition, it oxygenates the air and reduces pollution.

How to care for Paulonia at home

Those thinking about adding a paulownia to their garden should take into account some practical aspects:

• Sunny location: It is a tree that appreciates direct light and open spaces.
• Moderate irrigation: It needs water in its first years, but does not tolerate waterlogging.
• Deep, aerated soil: Their roots require space to expand and be well nourished.
• Initial protection: Although it is resistant, in cold climates it is advisable to protect it for the first two winters.

With this care, the tree will not only grow explosively, but will remain strong and healthy.

Necessary precautions

Despite all its virtues, not everything is positive. Paulownia is not a native species in Europe and authorities in some countries are regulating its planting, considering it invasive and a threat to local ecosystems. But this situation refers to extensive plantations, not to one or a few trees that an individual may have in their controlled garden, cultivating it responsibly.

An option for the modern garden

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Beyond its economic and environmental potential, paulownia offers immediate benefits in homes:

• Fast and wide shadow thanks to its rapid growth.
• ornamental and fragrant flowers, that beautify the environment
• Mosquito repellent effect, due to the characteristics of its large leaves
• An exotic touch, being a rare species compared to traditional garden trees in our country.