Paulownia tomentosa

Description

Named after Princess Anna Pavlovna, daughter of Tsar Paul I of Russia, who married into the Dutch Royal family and became Queen of the Netherlands in 1840. Native to China, and introduced into Europe in 1834, this makes for a wonderful tree or large shrub, the main feature being the enormous leaves which can be up to 45cm across, a bright light green with a fine covering of silver hairs. In warm climates mature plants flower in mid-summer, producing foxglove-like spires of soft lilac trumpet blooms which are an incredible sight to behold. Unfortunately in the UK, this is very rare, so best treat as one of the best trees for stunning foliage. Young trees may need a little protection from the worst of the winter weather, but in well-drained soil they are perfectly hardy once established. For the largest leaves, pollard the plant in spring, feed well and you will be rewarded with huge leaves.