Empress Tree vs Fire Light Hydrangea - TreeTime.ca

Empress Tree vs Fire Light Hydrangea

Paulownia tomentosa

Hydrangea paniculata Fire Light

Empress Tree
Fire Light Hydrangea

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.

Fire Light Hydrangea is a flowering shrub that is known for its striking colours. As they mature, the flower colour changes from a creamy white to a vivid deep pink. Hydrangea flowers persist longer compared to other flowering shrubs, blooming from late July into fall. They are a popular choice for flower arrangements.

The Fire Light Hydrangea can be grown as a stand alone shrub, as a hedge, or incorporated into a flower garden. Blooms occur on new wood, so regular pruning is encouraged in late winter. This is from the Proven Winners® collection.

Empress Tree Quick Facts

Fire Light Hydrangea Quick Facts

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Zone: 5a
Zone: 3a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: any
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Flowers: light purple
Flowers: white changing to deep pink
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none




Toxicity: toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
Other Names: chinese empress tree, foxglove tree, princess tree, royal paulownia
Other Names: fire light panicle hydrangea