Paulownia Fortunei – Premium Bare Root Cuttings (Pure Species)
Paulownia fortunei, often called the Fortune Tree or Sapphire Tree, is a prestigious pure species highly valued throughout Asia for both its ornamental beauty and its exceptional timber quality. Renowned for its rapid growth, elegant form, and fragrant blossoms, P. fortunei is one of the most majestic members of the Paulowniaceae family.
It is widely planted for ornamental landscaping, furniture-making, fine carpentry, and specialty wood industries, thanks to its light yet durable wood, appreciated in high-end cabinetry, musical instruments, veneers, and decorative crafts.
Deeply rooted in Chinese and Japanese tradition, Paulownia fortunei is considered a symbol of prosperity, beauty, and good fortune. Historically, it has been planted as a ceremonial or good-luck tree, and its premium-quality wood was used to craft dowries, keepsake chests, decorative boxes, and treasured household belongings.
Every bare root cutting provided by GreenSeed Paulownia is premium Grade A, carefully selected for quality, thickness, and vitality. Roots are prepared for spring planting to ensure strong establishment, healthy growth, and long-term performance.
⭐ Key Characteristics
-
Pure species (non-hybrid): valued for natural beauty, cultural significance, and premium timber quality.
-
Rapid annual growth: reaches 3–4 meters per year in favourable climates.
-
Moderate cold tolerance: withstands temperatures down to –15 / –18 °C, ideal for warmer temperate regions.
-
Fragrant, showy blossoms: produces large lavender-purple flowers, creamy white inside with yellow or purple markings; blooms in spring to early summer.
-
High-value timber: lightweight, stable, and perfect for furniture, veneers, cabinetry, fine carpentry, and musical instruments.
-
Ornamental appeal: lush foliage with large, light-green, slightly hairy leaves that provide dense shade.
-
Cultural importance: symbol of prosperity, luck, and elegance in East Asian tradition.
-
Versatile uses: ideal for landscaping, shade planting, specialty wood production, and decorative horticulture.
📊 Technical Specifications
-
Genus / Species: Paulownia fortunei
-
Type: Pure species (non-hybrid)
-
Common names: Fortune Tree, Sapphire Tree
-
Form: Bare root cutting
-
Grade: A
-
Average length: 10–18 cm
-
Diameter: 0.8–3.5 cm
-
Survival rate: 99 %
-
Growth rate: 3–4 m/year
-
Mature height: 12–21 m
-
Spread: 9–15 m
-
Cold resistance: –15 to –18 °C
-
Hardiness zones: 6–9
-
Soil pH: 4.5–7.5
-
Soil type: well-drained clay, loam, or sand
-
Exposure: full sun / partial sun
-
Water requirements: moderate
-
Bloom season: spring to early summer
-
Flower colours: lavender-purple outside, creamy white with yellow/purple spots inside
-
Foliage: large, light-green hairy leaves (up to 30 cm)
-
Delivery: roots packaged to retain natural humidity and vitality for safe transport
🌿 Why Choose GreenSeed Paulownia?
-
Premium Grade A roots, selected for strength and fast establishment
-
Authentic Paulownia fortunei species, ideal for ornamental and high-value timber projects
-
Specialised packaging ensuring maximum freshness and safe delivery
-
Expertise dedicated exclusively to Paulownia cultivation
-
Trusted international supplier for ecological, ornamental, and commercial forestry projects
PHASE 1 — POT CULTURE (UNDER COVER)
Objective: ensure maximum rooting success, protect plants from frost, and achieve uniform sprouting.
1) Rehydration (mandatory)
Before planting:
- Soak the root cuttings in clean water for 5 minutes.
→ This reactivates the tissues and improves the success rate.
⚠️ Do not exceed 5 minutes.
2) Start Period
- Early spring
- Ideal temperature: 15–25 °C (59–77 °F)
- Under a greenhouse, tunnel, or bright sheltered area
3) Pot Planting
Use individual pots for optimal root development and uniform emergence.
✔️ Root orientation
- Place the thicker end upward (bud side).
- Insert the root slightly angled (20–30°)
→ Promotes activation of the upper buds.
✔️ Covering
- Cover the root with no more than 1 cm of substrate.
(Buds must remain close to the surface.)
4) Recommended Substrate
A heavy substrate slows down emergence. A light, airy mix ensures faster and stronger sprouting.
Use:
- Fine horticultural potting mix
- Light, well-draining substrate
-
Optional: perlite for extra aeration
‼️ Paulownia does not tolerate excess water.
5) Watering (pot phase)
- Water moderately after planting.
- Keep the substrate slightly and consistently moist.
- Never waterlog the pot.
- Avoid all standing water.
6) Sprout Emergence
Timing depends on temperature and conditions:
- Sprouting usually occurs 3 to 8 weeks after planting.
- Faster in warm and stable environments.
In case of cold weather or late frost:
→ Cover pots with frost protection fleece.