How to prune paulownia tomentosa

Late winter to early spring before new growth. For the flowering-tree form, remove dead and crossing branches back to the collar. For coppice/pollard foliage effect, cut all stems to 30–60 cm stumps in late winter each year; feed and water well to fuel vigorous regrowth.

Annually (coppice form) or every 2–3 years (tree form). Paulownia tomentosa can be managed in two very different ways: left as a flowering tree (minimal pruning after bloom), or coppiced annually to the ground for giant ornamental foliage. If kept as a tree, remove dead wood and crossing branches. Coppicing sacrifices flowers but produces dramatic 60 cm+ leaves.

For the flowering-tree form, remove dead and crossing branches back to the collar. For coppice/pollard foliage effect, cut all stems to 30–60 cm stumps in late winter each year; feed and water well to fuel vigorous regrowth.