Dwarf Alberta Spruce vs Empress Tree
Picea glauca conica
Paulownia tomentosa
Dwarf Alberta Spruce is a small tree with very dense foliage. It is an attractive specimen in landscape designs and small yards. This plant naturally grows into the classic conical shape, but responds well to shearing and pruning.
Dwarf Alberta Spruce is hardy and disease resistant. However, its thick foliage can collect mildew. Consider planting this tree in an open space where the wind can dry out its needles.
You can use this cultivar as a substitute for cedar or juniper.
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.