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Royal Empress Tree

Paulownia elongata

Regular price $4990
  • Out of stock
  • Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™
Plant Size

Plant Sentry™

Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.

This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.

Click Here to learn more

 

Plant Sentry

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping

To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.

 

Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.

*If you have found your zone already, it will be highlighted in the table below.

Standard Shipping Rates

At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.

From To S&H
$0 $19.99 $24.99
$20 $49.99 $29.99
$50 $69.99 $34.99
$70 $99.99 $39.99
$100 $129.99 $44.99
$130 $149.99 $48.99
$150 $150+ Approx 28%

Click here to see our full rates

Plant Highlights

Royal Empress Tree highlights at a glance!

Specifications

  • Brand
    Nature Hills' Choice
  • Botanical Name
    Paulownia elongata
  • Growing Zones
    5-11
  • Mature Height
    40 - 50 feet
  • Mature Spread
    30 - 40 feet
  • Sun Exposure
    Full Sun
  • Soil
    Widely Adaptable
  • Growth Rate
    Fast
  • Flower Color
    Green
  • Pollinator Friendly
    Yes
  • Pollinator Required
    No
  • Bloom Period
    Early Spring

World's Fastest Growing Tree, with Year-Round Appeal

  • Fastest Growing Hardwood Tree
  • Hardy
  • Jasmine Scented Flowers
  • Huge Leaves
  • Pest and Disease Resistant

The Royal Empress Tree (Paulownia elongata) is native to China, but has found a welcome home in the U.S. as the world's fastest growing shade tree. This miracle of nature can grow up to 15 feet in its first season.

Your Royal Empress tree will announce the arrival of spring with a spectacular display of bell shaped flowers that burst into bloom on cascading clusters of 8-12" blossoms. Their colorful display of lavender-kissed, pink and white will infuse the air with the fragrant scent of jasmine.

When the majesty of spring has passed, your friends and family will be amazed throughout the summer by the Empress' uniquely fuzzy leaves. These huge emerald green leaves can reach up to 3 feet across.

The Royal Empress tree can also filter toxins from the air at an amazing rate. In fact, your tree can capture more Carbon from the environment and convert it into pure, clean oxygen than almost any other tree in existence. As if all this weren't enough, during the winter months you will enjoy the adorable furry buds that cover your tree's branches as they await the first signs of spring to welcome them into new life.

The Royal Empress tree is super hardy and tolerant of almost any soil type although it does best in well-drained soils. It prefers sun or partial shade and is pest and disease resistant.

Your Empress will be an outstandingly easy to grow accent to your landscape, providing a full, rounded crown to shade your home in a fraction of the time most trees would require to do so.

We grow our Royal Empress Tree to be fast growing and strong. NatureHills.com partners with Plant Sentry™ to ensure all plants shipped to you are compliant with state and federal regulations. This means we won't ship plants to you that are invasive in your area, including Royal Empress.

Order now and it is sure to bring many years of beauty to your landscape.

Customer Reviews

Based on 52 reviews
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A
Amanda
Packaged nicely and the tree

Packaged nicely and the tree is doing great!

Dear Amanda,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your tree arrived perfectly packaged and is doing well. It’s always our goal to ensure your plants travel safely to you so they can thrive right from the start.

If you ever have any questions about care or planting tips as your tree grows, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d be happy to help. Additionally, our website offers some great resources tailored to a variety of trees and seasons that might be useful for ongoing guidance.

Happy growing, Amanda! We look forward to supporting your garden in the seasons ahead.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

A
Amanda
Packaged nicely and the tree

Packaged nicely and the tree is doing great!

Hello Amanda,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your positive experience! We’re delighted to hear that your tree arrived packaged securely and is thriving well. Proper packaging is something we take great pride in to ensure your plants arrive in the best condition possible. If you ever have questions about tree care or need tips on helping it flourish even more, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to help!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

C
Corrine
Royal Empress Tree

So far, so good. I've tried to grow this tree twice before (from a different nursery) and they both died. My sister has one that is awesome so I thought I'd give it another chance. It's fall here in Michigan now and the last week or so it has been pretty darn chilly at night. The tree is looking a little weak right now but I'll keep my fingers crossed that it rebounds in the spring.

Hello Corrine,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Royal Empress Tree! We truly appreciate you trusting us with your tree after your previous attempts, and we’re glad to hear it’s off to a promising start despite the chilly Michigan fall. It’s completely normal for the tree to look a bit tired as it settles in, especially with the cooler night temperatures. Make sure to provide some added mulch around the base to help retain warmth and moisture—this often supports stronger root development through the colder months.

In spring, keep an eye out for new growth as a sign your tree is rebounding well. And if you ever need more personalized care tips or have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach back out. Supporting your planting success is what we’re here for!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

C
Corrine
Royal Empress Tree

So far, so good. I've tried to grow this tree twice before (from a different nursery) and they both died. My sister has one that is awesome so I thought I'd give it another chance. It's fall here in Michigan now and the last week or so it has been pretty darn chilly at night. The tree is looking a little weak right now but I'll keep my fingers crossed that it rebounds in the spring.

Hi Corrine,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Royal Empress Tree! We’re really glad you chose to give this tree another shot, especially after your previous attempts, and we understand how challenging it can be to get that first critical stage right.

Since the fall weather in Michigan can bring those chilly nights, it’s totally normal for your tree to look a bit tired as it adjusts. One tip to help it through the cold is to apply a good layer of mulch around the base to help regulate soil temperature and moisture. Also, ensuring the tree is well-watered before the soil freezes can give it a strong foundation to bounce back in spring. If you’d like, we can send you some detailed guides on winter care for Royal Empress Trees or other hardy varieties suited to your zone.

We’re rooting for this tree to thrive for you and become the beautiful addition to your landscape akin to your sister’s. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions or need support during the colder months!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

L
Linda
High hopes for a tall tree!

The tree arrived in pretty good fashion -- excellent packaging and seems to be healthy. Several of the leaves did have holes in them (bugs?) but I pinched those off and it appears to be settling in.

Dear Linda K.,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your new tree! We’re delighted to hear it arrived well-packed and appears healthy despite a few bug-nibbled leaves. It’s great that you’ve taken prompt action by pinching those leaves off—that’s a wonderful way to help the tree settle in nicely.

Sometimes our gentle green friends encounter some pests during transit or before shipping, but keeping an eye on any affected foliage and ensuring good air circulation will definitely help your tree thrive. You might also consider a mild, natural insecticidal soap spray if you notice persistent damage, but often a little vigilance is all that’s needed. If you need specific recommendations tailored to your tree species, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

We’re excited for your tree to grow tall and strong—thank you for welcoming it into your garden.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Find Your Garden's Growing Zone!

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When ordering a tree or plant, make sure to know your planting zone.

You can determine your garden’s USDA hardiness zone by entering your Zip Code below.