With its considerable size, the bluebell tree is not for allotment gardens. If you have the space, you can also plant the impressive tree with us.
Actually, bluebell trees (Paulownia tomentosa) adorn our gardens far too rarely. The imposing emperor tree is one of the very few tree species that knows how to impress with an attractive blue blossom. The flower umbels are up to 40 centimeters long and really cannot be overlooked. Even young plants are a real attraction because, in addition to the pretty flowers, they also develop particularly large leaves. The flowers develop a vanilla-like scent, which attracts many bees and bumblebees and ensures a lively natural garden. What is important when planting these attractive mints can be found out below.
Bluebell tree - small plant description
Bluebell trees prove to be particularly vigorous. The trees are at least 15 meters high. In exceptional cases, specimens with a growth height of 50 meters have also been sighted. The trunks are just as impressive and can reach diameters of up to two meters.
The heart-shaped leaves, which are about 30 centimeters long, are an eye-catcher. The leaves appear soft and velvety hairy. The orange-brown buds are also hairy. The bell-shaped violet to blue-violet flowers appear in April, which grow about six centimeters long and also have downy hairs.
Note: Due to its impressive inflorescences, the bluebell tree is often confused with jacaranda trees. Its large leaves make it similar to the trumpet tree.
The plant owes its name "Paulownia imperialis" to Anna Pavlovna, the daughter of the Russian tsar. Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria and Bohemia-Hungary, also developed a fondness for the Kaiserbaum. The "Chancellor Tree" in the grounds of Palais Schaumburg commemorates Konrad Adenauer's tenure.
Planting bluebell tree - the spread
The natural range of the bluebell tree is in western China. Cultivation now also takes place in climatically favourable, mild regions of Japan, North America, Korea and Europe. There the treesspecifically bred for wood use. The blue bell tree is also widespread as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. In Asia, the trees have a symbolic character and are planted when a daughter is born in a family.
Bluebell tree - use
The wood of the Kaiserbaum has an attractive appearance and is also robust and hardly inflammable. In Japan, fireproof kimono cabinets are made from the tree wood. Musical instruments and table tennis bats are also made from wood, which the Japanese call “Kiri”. Due to the rapid growth, the use of wood came into focus as early as the 1980s.
Plant bluebell tree - find the right location
It will not be possible in all regions of Germany to plant the bluebell tree and experience it in lush bloom. Only in regions with mild winters can the plant be cultivated outdoors without any problems. A harsh mountain climate will not do the trees as well. Keeping in buckets with overwintering indoors is a good idea here.
Note: The bluebell tree forms buds in autumn. In harsh climatic conditions, flowering will not occur next year as the buds freeze.
Younger trees are particularly sensitive. Adult trees generally tolerate winter quite well in our latitudes.
A sunny location should be found for the bluebell tree. If the trees get a lot of sun, this results in lush and persistent flowering. A wind-protected location is also an advantage. When choosing a location, it is important to remember that the trees grow quickly and form a powerful crown. A unique position should be aimed for, otherwise the blue bell tree could make life difficult for its planting neighbors and displace them. The trees are at least 15 meters high. Close proximity to buildings should be avoided. The bluebell tree is less suitable for the allotment garden. A trumpet tree might be an alternative here.
Tip: When choosing a location, it should be noted that the trees should be at least 15 meters away from the next building.
Plant bluebell tree - choose the ideal substrate
The emperor tree should be planted in nutrient-rich and deep soil. The soil must be well drained, as waterlogging is not tolerated by the plants. It is therefore better if the soil is dry rather than too wet. Favor moist soilsWaterlogging and generally lead to slower growth, since the wood can only mature poorly.
Laying out drainage helps to prevent waterlogging in the soil - the soil can be upgraded accordingly and thus adapted to the requirements of the exotic plant. Gravel or sand can be incorporated to make the soil more permeable. In order to meet the increased nutrient requirement, the substrate should be mixed with humus or compost when planting.
When is it time to plant the bluebell tree?
The trees are preferably planted in spring. The trade offers appropriate container plants or bale goods in good time. If the emperor tree is planted early in the year, it has enough time to develop a stable root system by winter and to defy the frost.
Planting the bluebell tree - step by step
- Select Location
- Upgrade substrate
- Water plant
- Put drainage
- Insert plant
- Close planting hole
- Press the earth well
- Water the plant thoroughly
So that the plant is protected from waterlogging and the irrigation water can drain off well, cover the ground with a layer of potsherds or gravel. The substrate itself should be mixed with compost or humus so that the plant gets a nutritious natural fertilizer that provides all the nutrients for the first year.
The emperor tree can then be placed in the planting hole up to its upper root neck. The substrate is now filled and pressed well. Finally, the tree is sufficiently supplied with water. It is helpful to create a pouring rim.
Planting the bluebell tree in the pot
Because young plants are sensitive to frost, it is advisable to keep them in buckets. However, it should be borne in mind that planting in tubs can only be understood as a temporary solution, because the fast-growing trees should be allowed to move outdoors after three to four years at the latest. An appropriate stand should therefore be available if you are toying with the idea of purchasing an emperor tree.
Planting in a tub - step by step
- Select Planter
- Prepare substrate
- Insert drainage
- Insert plant
- Fill Substart
- Press the earth
- Water the plant
When choosing the plant pot, it should be noted that it is not only of sufficient size and can accommodate the root ball well, but also has sufficient drainage holes for the liquid at the bottom of the container. Potted plants have an increased risk of suffering from waterlogging. If irrigation water and rainwater cannot drain off sufficiently, the water accumulates in the plant pot, attacks the roots and ultimately causes the plant to rot.
Drainage should not be forgotten for potted plants. Gravel or shards of clay on the bottom of the pot ensure better drainage of the irrigation water and thus prevent waterlogging. Potted plants need water regularly and have an increased need for nutrients due to the limited space available. The blue bell tree should therefore be watered regularly. During the growing season, the supply of a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer is recommended.
Since the plants grow quite quickly, it is advisable to repot them into a new planter every year. At the same time, the soil should be completely replaced, as the nutrients in the small plant pot are quickly used up.