Japanese Tree Lilac vs Empress Tree - TreeTime.ca

Japanese Tree Lilac vs Empress Tree

Paulownia tomentosa

Syringa reticulata

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Empress Tree
Japanese Tree Lilac

The Empress Tree is a fast growing, ornamental shade tree. It has purple, fragrant flowers that are quite attractive. The flowers emerge before the leaves in early spring. The leaves of this tree can grow very large, up to 30 cm long.

As one of the fastest growing trees in the world, this tree has been given considerable attention for carbon sequestration projects. It drops many seeds which can make it invasive in warmer climates. Please do some research and plant the right tree in the right place.

The Empress tree’s genus name comes from Princess Paulowna, daughter of Tsar Paul I of Russia.

Japanese Tree Lilac is an attractive, heavy-flowering lilac with fragrant white blossoms. It can be pruned to a single stem or grown as a multi-stemmed shrub.

Japanese Tree Lilac's dark reddish-brown bark peels as the tree ages, creating visual appeal for any yard, especially in the winter.

This tree is often planted along boulevards and its attractive white flowers signal spring to all who drive by.

Empress Tree Quick Facts

Japanese Tree Lilac Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $2.99 - SAVE UP TO 75%
Zone: 5a
Zone: 3a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Flowers: light purple
Flowers: white with yellow anthers
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: low


In row spacing: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Other Names: chinese empress tree, foxglove tree, princess tree, royal paulownia