Empress Tree vs Royal Star Magnolia - TreeTime.ca

Empress Tree vs Royal Star Magnolia

Magnolia stellata Royal Star

Paulownia tomentosa

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

(we don't know if or when this product will be restocked)

Royal Star Magnolia
Empress Tree

The Royal Star Magnolia, or Star Magnolia, is an early-blooming, white fragrant flower. It has a form that resembles a starburst, hence the name. This multi-stemmed deciduous shrub is extremely popular and has won the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

The Royal Star Magnolia attracts birds and butterflies to your garden, with their large, showy flowers blooming even before it’s foliage which features a medium green leaf. They prefer slightly acidic soils.

Staff Favorite!

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.

Royal Star Magnolia Quick Facts

Empress Tree Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $19.99
Zone: 4a
Zone: 5a
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium


Flowers: lare, white, showy
Flowers: light purple
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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