Paulownia Fortunei, also known as the Fortune Tree, is a pure species of Paulownia highly prized in Asia for both its ornamental beauty and its valuable timber. It is one of the fastest-growing hardwood trees, capable of reaching impressive heights while producing lightweight, durable wood used for moldings, cabinets, veneers, furniture, and even musical instruments.

In Chinese and Japanese tradition, the tree is considered a symbol of prosperity and protection. It is often planted as a good-luck tree, and its high-quality wood is historically used to craft dowries, chests, and fine household items.

👉 Key characteristics:

• Rapid growth: up to 3–4 m per year in favorable conditions.

• Cold tolerance: withstands temperatures down to –18 °C.

• Flowers: large, fragrant trumpet-shaped blossoms (lavender-purple outside, creamy white inside with yellow spots).

• Wood quality: lightweight yet strong, widely used in fine carpentry and instrument making.

• Ornamental value: lush, large leaves and dense shade, making it popular for parks and gardens.

• Cultural heritage: deeply rooted in Asian traditions, symbolizing luck, beauty, and prosperity.

✔️ Excellent for ornamental planting, shade trees, furniture production, and specialty wood industries.
✔️ A prestigious Paulownia species, valued equally for aesthetics and timber.

📊 Technical Specifications

• Type: Pure species (non-hybrid)

• Genus / Species: Paulownia fortunei

• Common name: Fortune Tree / Sapphire Tree

• Height: 12–21 m (40–70 ft)

• Spread: 9–15 m (30–50 ft)

• Growth rate: Very fast (up to 3–4 m/year)

• Cold resistance: –15 to –18 °C

• Hardiness zones: 6–9

• Soil pH: 4.5–7.5 (acidic to alkaline)

• Soil type: Well-drained clay, loam, or sand

• Exposure: Full sun / partial sun

• Water requirements: Moderate

• Bloom season: Spring to early summer

• Flower color: Lavender-purple outside, creamy white with yellow/purple spots inside

• Foliage: Large, light-green hairy leaves (up to 30 cm)

• Germination rate: ~88%