Mock Orange vs Empress Tree
Paulownia tomentosa
Philadelphus coronarius
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.
Mock Orange is an ornamental shrub known for its fragrant, white flowers. The scent is often described as orange-like with a hint of jasmine. Attractive to pollinators, hummingbirds, and humans alike.
Mock Orange is highly versatile, and can be used as an ornamental shrub, either alone or as a hedge. It is well suited for streambank stabilization and riparian zone restoration, due to its ability to grow in low, moist areas as well as those that are high and dry. Lewis Mock Orange also has the capability of being used in soil bioengineering projects such as live staking.