Foxglove tree

The ultimate size of any Foxglove tree planted in Britain is difficult to predict. Usually a round head of stout spreading branches is produced on a short stem up to 15 metres tall. Occasionally specimens will grow rapidly upwards for 20 metres and produce a long clear grey barked trunk. The main ornamental feature has to be the heliotropic flowers, they are funnel-like, 5-6cm long and pale violet with darker mauve spots and yellow stripes inside. They occur in clusters on a 30cm panicle just before the leaves break. Unfortunately they are seldom seen at close quarters because they are usually confined to the tree tops. The slight fragrance is usually missed too for the same reason. Often the flower buds, which over-winter in a fully developed state, are spoiled by frost before they come out. The untoothed leaves may be 12-25cm long, ovate or very shallowly lobed with 3 or 5 broad points. The five pointed leaves are almost pentagonal in outline. Leaves on coppice regrowth may be huge, up to 50cm long. New plants that have suffered from frost damage can be cut back to round level. The following year survivors will grow new shoots at an astonishing rate. In China, where it comes from, this tree is used in farm woodlands. The huge clammy leaves trap aphids that would otherwise damage crops. This tree should only be grown in mild districts. It was introduced via Japan and France in 1838 and again directly from China in 1907. Paulownia produces an ultra light weight timber prized by musical instrument makers in the orient for sound boards. Unfortunately few specimens grow large enough in Britain to be utilised for this purpose.

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