Has anyone planted the fast growing 'empress' tree, and have you had success?

Question

I'm on my second batch of these indestructuble trees (killed the first two), and wanted to get input from others that may be growing them. I'm trying to get them to grow in Dallas, TX - they are advertised as drought resistent so I thought they would be a good tree...

Answer 1

The tree is Paulownia tomentosa. Native to China, similar to catalpa. The 'experts' say they will grow in Dallas. I grew one in Austin, way back when.

Old Texas saying-Don't put a ten dollar tree in a 10 cent hole. Make sure you plant them with some compost dug in to about 2' deep before you place them, be generous.

They are not deep rooted trees, use a layer of compost and then a layer of mulch to keep the soil moist around them about 3' all around, out from the trunk. Make a 3' from the trunk water well around them, that is a 2-4" high dam to hold water until it soaks in to the root area. Do not use city water unless it sits in a 5 gallon bucket over night, fresh tansplants do not like chlorine. They need afternoon shade with your hot summers at first. When they are young they need extra water, especially in a drought, to get them started. Keep them moist. And weekly water of good quailty after the 1st year if the rains are poor. After they get up pass 10' you will know when to water, they wilt. They don't tolerate drought like a native TX tree will, say a mesquite.

They are a beautiful tree, stunning when they flower. In Asia they use the wood for small boxes because it is light and has a nice grain to it. Good luck.

Answer 2

I ordered them a few years ago and had no luck either. A few were dead when they arrived to me, so I demanded my money back. I planted the remaining 3 and they eventually died as well. I think it's just a scam.