PAULOWNIA TOMENTOSA

(Princess Tree, Empress Tree) Huge, tropical-looking, hairy leaves - broad-spreading tree with a stout trunk and horizontal branches. Large, showy, fragrant, violet-blue flowers with darker spots and yellow throats adorn the bare branches in spring. Withstands moderate frosts and inland salty gales, but not right on the coast. Ht 8m x 6m (w) in 10 years.