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The Blauglockenbaum, also known as the Paulownia tree or Kiri tree, is considered a tree of the future due to its rapid growth: but is it really ideal for the garden? Here are all the pros and cons.
As a miracle tree, tree of the future, and climate tree, the Blauglockenbaum (Paulownia tomentosa) has received a lot of attention in the past 10 to 15 years. 150 years ago, the Chinese Kiri tree, as it is also called, was mainly seen as an ornamental tree that made its way from botanical gardens and arboreta into private gardens.
What led to Paulownia's sudden success?
Its incredibly fast growth gave the Asian Paulownia tree the reputation of being a super CO2 storage, while its tolerance to drought and heat drew great interest from foresters and landscape planners. Additionally, Paulownia is said to be an insect magnet with its blue bell-shaped flowers. The wood is believed to have economic potential in furniture and instrument making. A true miracle tree, right? Or maybe not? Initial enthusiasm has now been met with skepticism. So, what are the arguments for and against planting Blauglocken trees?
The advantages of the Blauglockenbaum
The Paulownia is an attractive ornamental tree with blue bell-shaped flowers in striking clusters. The large leaves provide shade and create a pleasant microclimate in the garden. During the flowering period in April and May, various insects swarm around the blue bells. The Blauglockenbaum grows on average 1.5 meters per year, even faster in the first years after planting. The Kiri tree can withstand even longer dry periods and heatwaves unscathed, qualities that are increasingly sought after in gardens. Furthermore, the light and hard wood has good properties for furniture and instrument making - interesting for forestry and the timber industry.
How big does a Blauglockenbaum get?
After only 10 years, the Paulownia reaches its final height of up to 15 meters and a trunk diameter of 40 centimeters. This characteristic earned it the name climate tree, as it absorbs a lot of CO2 with rapidly increasing plant mass.
Is Paulownia winter-hardy?
Older specimens of Paulownia tomentosa can withstand temperatures down to -20°C, making the species quite winter-hardy. The tree is sensitive only to early and late frosts. Frozen-back shoots usually sprout again. In general, the Kiri tree is considered robust - both against weather extremes and local diseases and pests.
What are the disadvantages of a Blauglockenbaum?
Paulownia tomentosa is not a native tree but originates from Central and Western China. Due to its good adaptation, there is a possibility that the tree displaces native plant species. While it is true that some insect species are attracted to the Blauglocken flowers, the tree blooms at a time - in April and May - when the food supply for insects is already abundant. Moreover, significantly fewer insect species benefit from its flowers compared to most native trees. The rapid growth brings competition for water and nutrients with neighboring plants in gardens, parks, and forests. Similarly, the shading by the conspicuously large leaves. In the timber industry: Paulownia plantations are very labor-intensive, and as a forestry plant, the light-loving species is not suitable.
How expensive is a Kiri tree?
As with all nursery trees, the size or age determines the price. For a Paulownia of about 1.5 meters in height, one would pay around 90 euros, almost double the price of many other classic garden trees. For comparison: an apple tree of the same size costs around 50 euros, a wild cherry (Prunus avium) 40 euros. Due to the fast growth, many gardeners opt for smaller Blauglocken specimens, which are available for as little as 30 euros.
Should I plant a Kiri tree in the garden?
As beautiful as its flowers are and as impressive as its fast growth is, conservationists now advise against planting the Blauglockenbaum in the garden. Its seeds could spread to natural habitats through the wind and promote the uncontrolled spread of the species.