Foxglove Tree

Facts About The Foxglove Tree

If you are undecided on whether to have a tree or flowers in your yard, then you can get both from a foxglove tree. Paulownia tomentosa and the emperor or princess tree are all different names for the foxglove tree. They are a smaller type tree that is a perfect addition to any yard. They have attractive deep green foliage and colorful blooms that appear each summer.

The foxglove tree has leaves that are a dark green color and they are large and lobed. In early summer this tree sprouts white to pink tiny flowers that resemble lilacs. The blooms cover the entire tree and even change the appearance making the tree seem much larger. The fragrance also mimics the lilac and is soft and very sweet. If you are noticing a shortage of bees or birds in your yard this tree will attract them.

This tree originated in China but many people throughout the world keep these foxglove trees because of their beauty and fragrance. They can reach up to 20 feet tall and bush out a full 6 foot or more depending on the season. They are of course a perennial plant and can be enjoyed for many years to come.

If you are thinking of planting a foxglove tree, just pick a large bare area on your yard. There should be no bigger trees blocking out any sunlight form the starter tree. This tree thrives on direct hot sunlight and can also be used as shading for a garden. Some flowers cannot handle direct sunlight and they need to be grown in shade. If this is the case then the foxglove tree is perfect for this situation. The tree is not unusually large, so maintaining the flowers and the tree at the same time becomes a breeze.

You can purchase a starter foxglove tree from your local home and garden store. Before you plant the tree you must dig a trench deep enough for the root system to spread out and take hold. Remove any large rocks form the trench site and make sure that when you place the tree into the hole, the roots are covered with fresh airy soil. Do not plant the tree in any type of hole. Make sure that is elevated a slight bit so that it can naturally sink evenly into the soil. If water puddles and saturates the delicate new root system it can cause damage to the tree, so make sure there is proper water drainage to avoid this.

If you are planting the tree in spring or fall when the weather can become windy, you may need to stake the small starter tree up. You can use any long type of wood or metal and insert it into the ground behind the foxglove tree. Using long cut out strips of cotton, tie the tree to the stake. Do not tie the strips tightly to the stakes. Instead keep them loose enough so that the tree can continue to grow but also have a crutch to lean on when the weather gets bad. As soon as the tree grows a bit and appears sturdy you can remove the stake.

The foxglove tree can grow a full 12 feet tall in a season and you may want to prune the plant a bit. But you should first wait until the blooms on the tree are gone. If you want to prune over thirty percent of the tree you must do it in steps. Removing too much or the over pruning of any plant can kill it. So make sure only to trim a small amount all over the tree a few times a year.