Paulownia

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Paulownia, or Adam's tree (lat. Paulownia) - a genus of trees of the Pavlovniev family. Previously, the genus was ranked among the families Norichnikovs and Bignonievs. The culture got its name in honor of the daughter of Emperor Paul I - Anna Pavlovna. The genus has 10 species, according to other sources - 17 species.

Spreading

Paulownia grows wild in Southeast Asia, more precisely in China, Taiwan, Laos and Vietnam. Some species are found in the Far East, Caucasus, Crimea and in the southern and western regions of Ukraine. In European countries, as well as in North America, felt Paulownia, or imperial (lat. Paulownia tomentosa), is widely cultivated.

Characteristics of culture

Paulownia is a tall deciduous or semi-evergreen tree with an ovoid or rounded spreading crown and a straight cylindrical trunk. Leaves are whole, large, wide, cordate or ovate, up to 20 cm long, have no stipules, sit opposite on long petioles. On the outside, the leaves are pubescent, on the inside - tomentose.

The flowers are medium-sized, pale purple or violet-lilac, rarely white, gathered in panicles. The calyx is bell-shaped. The fruit is a broad-ovate capsule. Seeds are small, winged. The first fruits of the plant are formed 4-5 years after planting. Paulownia is characterized by rapid growth, it is often used to domesticate areas that are threatened by erosion or areas affected by fires. The culture is also suitable for landscaping parks and gardens.

Growing conditions

Paulownia grows best in open, sunny areas with no lateral shading. Paulownia should not be planted in close proximity to other large trees, as its root system can overwhelm other crops. Ideal for paulownia are the southwestern slopes, sheltered from the northerly winds, with a stable snow cover in the winter season.

The culture is not demanding for soil conditions. On sandy soils, plants give small growths, but the wood ripens several times better than on others. On clay soils, wood matures very slowly, often plants completely freeze out, rather than on light and aerated soils.

Reproduction and planting

Paulownia is propagated by seeds, cuttings and root suckers. Seeds lose their germination very quickly, so they are sown immediately after harvest. Experienced gardeners are advised to propagate the culture by cuttings. They easily adapt and take root, only high soil moisture is required. Planting paulownia is best in autumn, although spring planting is not prohibited. Seedlings and other planting material can be stored in a dark, cool room in winter.

Planting pits are prepared in 2-3 weeks, its depth should be 70-80 cm, and a width of 60 cm. A certain amount of soil mixed with combined fertilizers and peat is poured onto the bottom of the pit, forming a kind of roller or hill. After planting, the soil in the near-stem zone is carefully compacted, watered and mulched with dry healthy foliage or peat. The paulownia transplant is positive, but it is advisable to carry out such a procedure from July to August. Before planting, the soil is cultivated to the depth of a shovel bayonet.

Care

Despite the fact that paulownia is a drought-resistant plant, it needs systematic watering, especially during a prolonged drought. With insufficient moisture, the leaves lose their turgor and sag. When the weather is too hot, the edges of the leaves dry out, but with the onset of rains they recover.

As you know, paulownia can grow without any problems on poor soils, but it will not refuse fertilization. In the spring, organic matter is introduced under the culture, for example, humus, and in the middle of summer - mineral fertilizers. Accepts paulownia formative and sanitary pruning, which consists in removing sick, frozen, broken branches and rationing the number of stems. The culture is resistant to pests and diseases, rarely affected by slugs, which most often appear in wet weather.