Paulownia tree

[Adjee]

Finally finished planted 40 of these. Experimenting with different methods: root cuttings, full root systems, I year old one metre tall clipped trees.

Hopefully they will be utilized for the following:

Supplementary feed for the animals via their massive leaves.
Blooms for the bees to use.
Timber for use as firewood i.e. kindling/rapid heat for cooking which will supplement the manure bricks we are also experimenting with.
Timber to use in roof repairs, flooring and general building purposes.
Medicinal purposes the leaves, leaf juice, flowers, inner bark can be used for various things.

Just another experiment ticked of the list for this year.

[GeeGee]

I really enjoy reading your posts the information you give is brilliant its interesting the different preps that you do as to us I'm not knocking the hundred torces we have or stash of batteries etc but to see how you've planted these which hopefully then is a lifetime and more for preps is great
I'd be interested in your other experiments I know how you've said the manure bricks are working out and the livestock you keep .. are you on your own doing this type of thing or do you have a community around you who also do this ..most of us here are all kind of "secret " preppers ..
Thanks for the updates keep them coming.

[Winterprep]

Thanks for that. I hard never heard of these trees and had a look. Also known as the Empress tree.It can grow in the UK but prefers a slightly warmer climate especially for it flowering.

Every day is a school day. Love your variety of practical preps Adjee.

WP

[GillyBee]

Sounds like it might soon be an option for the UK with the way things are warming up here. How hardy is it?

[Adjee]

How hardy is it?

Paulownia Tomentosa (one of several Paulownia species) can survive a temperature range of -25c to +40c.

Ensure adequate/plentiful watering in the first year or root and top growth will be slowed. The aim (as with most things) is to ensure good root foundation/growth in the first year. Plant in Spring and complete any cut backs required also in Spring.

Even above 40c (it was 50c last year in the garden/field where we have planted some) providing the roots are given sufficient water (we also aerate by using adapted rebar to drive small deep holes into the soil in close proximity to the root base this will also allow water to reach the lower roots during the late summer).

Once the root has settled then they can withstand frost and even the deep freeze we experience here.