Fortunei Dragon Tree

Fortunei Dragon Tree

Paulownia Fortunei

History and Description

History and uses of the Paulownia tree - For centuries the Chinese have grown Paulownia, also known as Empress and Sapphire trees for beauty and for highly prized timber. Paulownia is a fast growing, lightweight timber which is used in the making of moldings, cabinets, veneers, furniture, and even musical instruments. In Japan when a girl child is born they plant a Paulownia tree for her and when she marries they build her wedding chest from the tree. They also believed that the tree should be planted by the house so the Phoenix would come and protect them, and bring good luck.

Genus and species - The genus of the Paulownia trees is Scrophulariaceae. There are over 12 different species of Paulownia growing in the different climates within China. The Dragon tree family is made up of four of these highly prized species.

Fortunei Dragon Tree (Paulownia Fortunei) note: "full sun is best"
1. Mature height: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 75 feet: (3rdyr: 28/30' -- 15-18yrs: 75')
2. Blossoming (2nd/3rd yr): - - - - 6 weeks in spring. Color: pearl white, lavender center.
3. Temperature range: - - - - (+15 to +120) degrees - drops leaves in winter.
4. Soil conditions: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - well drained is best, light to heavy clay is ok.
5. Soil ph: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5.5 to 8.5 (6.5 is the optimum ph level).
6. Limitations: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Trees will not do well in overly wet soils or salt sea air.
7. Root system: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Multiple tap roots - 15 to 20 feet deep - if possible.
8. Fertilizer: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - High nitrogen, chicken manure is best.
9. Water: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Soak deeply once or twice a week for first two years.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - When roots reach maturity, water requirement very low.

Basic Planting Instructions

1. Plant your Dragon tree in full sun. Partial shade will work but full sun is best.
2. Dig a hole two feet square and two feet deep, are larger if soil is poor.
3. Fill with good topsoil mixed 50/50 with potting soil and or peat moss.
4. Make a dished out area in the top of the soil mix and plant your tree in the center.
5. Fill the dished out area with water and soak all new soil deeply.
6. Be sure to let soil dry out in between watering, soak deeply each time you water.
7. In the heat of summer (90 and above) water 2 to 3 times a week. (soak deeply)
8. To feed your tree, add high nitrogen fertilizer to water once a week for first season.

Feeding your tree is not a requirement, but is needed for best result.

Note: If you plant your tree in an area of the yard that is watered with a sprinkler system, you must water the tree deeply as if it was not watered at all. The reason for this: If you water the tree only with the sprinkler system, the water will not go deep and the roots of the tree will grow out under the grass looking for water. As these roots grow larger they can cause problems. If you water deeply, the roots will grow down, keeping the yard clear.

Note: - Do not use any form of insecticide or weed-killer anywhere near your tree. All Paulownia trees are highly sensitive to poisons and will die or be severely damaged if exposed to them. (1)

Information Taken From:

(1) http://www.dragontrees.com/dragonhi.html

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