The Foxglove Tree (Paulownia tomentosa) is a fast-growing ornamental tree prized for its dramatic spring flowering and exotic appearance, making it a striking choice for gardens, parks, and landscape planting schemes. It is best known for its spectacular, trumpet-shaped violet-blue flowers, which appear in late spring before the foliage emerges. These impressive blooms form upright clusters along the bare branches, creating a bold architectural display that is especially eye-catching in warm, sheltered locations.

This flowering tree performs best in mild climates with warm summers, where blooming is more reliable and growth is most vigorous. After flowering, it produces large, glossy green seed pods that gradually mature to brown and become sticky with age, adding further seasonal interest.

The Foxglove Tree is generally hardy in UK winters, but young specimens can be vulnerable to late spring frosts, particularly following periods of mild weather that encourage early bud break. In these conditions, newly formed shoots may be damaged, causing tips to blacken and die back. This is a natural response in young trees and typically improves as the plant matures.

Because Paulownia tomentosa continues active growth well into early autumn, new shoots may not fully harden off before winter. For this reason, young trees benefit from winter protection during cold snaps, such as wrapping the upper growth in horticultural fleece or providing a sheltered planting position. Mulching the base of the tree also helps to protect roots and retain soil warmth during colder months.

As the Foxglove Tree matures, it becomes significantly more resilient to frost and environmental stress, developing into a robust and reliable ornamental tree. Mature specimens form a broad canopy of large, heart-shaped leaves, providing excellent summer shade and adding to its tropical, architectural appeal.

Ideal for gardeners looking for a fast-growing feature tree, the Foxglove Tree combines exotic floral displays with rapid establishment and impressive seasonal structure, making it a standout focal point in any landscape design.

Watering: Water your foxglove tree deeply and regularly during its first 1–2 years while it establishes. In warm, dry weather, aim to water once or twice a week, especially during spring and summer. Young trees can struggle if they dry out, so consistent moisture is important. Once established, the foxglove tree is fairly drought-tolerant, but will still benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells.

Mulching: Apply a generous layer of organic mulch (such as bark chips or well-rotted compost) around the base of the tree once or twice a year. This helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health. Always keep mulch a few centimetres away from the trunk to prevent rot or bark damage.

Staking: Stake young foxglove trees for the first 1–2 years if they are in an exposed or windy position. Check ties regularly and adjust them as the trunk thickens to prevent rubbing or restriction of growth.

Frost protection: Young foxglove trees can be sensitive to severe frost, especially in their early years. In colder areas, protect the base with extra mulch in winter and consider shielding the trunk during hard frosts.

Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or weak branches to encourage a strong framework. The foxglove tree responds well to pruning and will often produce vigorous new growth in spring.

Feeding: In early spring, you can apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser or well-rotted compost to support strong growth and encourage its large, lush leaves.

Within 24 hours of placing your order, we will contact you to confirm an exact delivery date. Most orders are delivered within 5 working days. Your plants will be freshly lifted and packaged the day before dispatch to ensure they arrive in the best possible condition.

If you have a preferred delivery date please use the comments box and we will try our best to accommodate this (not available at weekends).

Although items can remain in their packaging for 7–10 days if kept frost-free, we recommend planting bareroot trees as soon as possible after delivery.

We use a courier service, and a signature is required on delivery unless you specify a safe place in the comments box when placing your order.

Small Orders (UK Mainland Only)

Orders of 1–15 plants in size 40/60cm can often be sent via Royal Mail for £8.90.

Please note: Your basket will initially show a delivery charge of £15.75 + VAT, but if you request Royal Mail delivery in the comments box, we will adjust the payment for you once we receive the order.

England and Wales Standard Delivery Charges

Mainland Scotland Standard Delivery Charges

Click and Collect

Click and collect available free of charge from: Tree Shop Ltd., Harts Barn, Monmouth Road, Longhope, GL17 0QD, UK