Frequently Asked Questions

Paulownia is a fast-growing tree native to Asia, valued for its large leaves, its decorative blossom (depending on the species), its lightweight wood and its usefulness in planting, agroforestry, reforestation, biomass or land-valorization projects.

Paulownia is seen as a tree of the future because it can grow quickly in good conditions, produce light and stable wood, regrow after cutting, provide biomass and fit into certain ecological or agricultural projects. Its potential still depends on climate, soil, available water and how the plantation is managed.

Yes, Paulownia is known for its rapid growth. In good conditions of soil, water, heat and care, it can reach several metres per year. On poor, compacted, dry or badly drained soil, growth can be much slower.

Depending on the variety, climate and growing conditions, a mature Paulownia can reach a significant height, often between 10 and 20 metres, sometimes more in favourable conditions. The final height also depends on pruning and the growing objective.

Yes, Paulownia can suit individuals for ornamental use, shade, growing trials, planting on private land or producing young plants from seed. You do need to allow enough space, sunlight and suitable soil.

Yes, Paulownia can suit professional projects: agroforestry, timber production, biomass, reforestation, valorization of wasteland or experimental planting. A professional project must however be prepared seriously: variety choice, soil, water, density, costs, regulations and commercial outlets.

Yes, Paulownia can be planted in France and in many European countries. The choice of variety is essential depending on the region: cold, temperate, Mediterranean, dry or humid climate. For details by climate, it is best to check our dedicated variety-selection page.

Paulownia is a pioneer tree able to develop on certain poor or degraded soils. This is an advantage for valorizing wasteland or difficult soils. However, to obtain fast growth and worthwhile production, a minimum of soil preparation, water and care remains necessary.

Yes, Paulownia produces melliferous blossom appreciated by bees. Flowering generally begins around the fourth year of the tree and depends on climate and growing conditions.

Yes. Its flowers are rich in nectar and are visited by bees. A plantation in bloom can therefore be a valuable melliferous resource in spring and contribute to honey production.

The situation is nuanced. Paulownia should not be confused with an uncontrollable invasive plant. Some species, notably Paulownia tomentosa, may be monitored in certain countries as a precaution, as they can naturalize in disturbed environments. Responsible planting must take into account local regulations, the ecological context and the project's purpose.

A pioneer tree is able to establish quickly on open, poor or degraded soils. An invasive species, on the other hand, causes significant imbalance in natural environments. Paulownia can have a strong growth capacity in disturbed areas, but this must be distinguished from generalized invasive behaviour. Responsible management remains essential.

KiriGreen Paulownia can offer several varieties depending on availability: Pao Tong Z07, Shan Tong, 9501, 9502, 9503 / Oxytree, Tomentosa, Elongata and Fortunei. Some are hybrids, others are more classic or traditional species.

The choice depends on climate, soil, available water, planting objective and the format you want. Hybrids are often sought for professional projects, while Tomentosa, Elongata and Fortunei can suit seeds, trials, specific projects or particular climates. For details by climate, see our dedicated variety-selection page.

Pure species such as Tomentosa, Elongata or Fortunei correspond to botanical species. Hybrids, such as Z07, Shan Tong, 9501, 9502 or 9503, come from crosses or selections aiming to combine certain qualities: vigour, growth, habit, hardiness, wood production or adaptation to certain projects.

Our varieties come with identification or varietal-certification documents. This guarantees the origin and identification of the varieties offered. For professional projects, available documents can be provided or verified on request.

KiriGreen Paulownia favours royalty-free varieties, not subject to private reproduction or commercialization restrictions where applicable. This approach reflects our ethics: to offer a freer, more accessible and more transparent Paulownia. Professional customers should however check the regulations applicable in their country.

Some plant varieties may be protected by breeders' rights, private licences or propagation restrictions. In that case, their reproduction, sale or commercial use may require authorization from the rights holder. It is therefore important to know the legal origin of the varieties used.

Seeds let you start from scratch. A seedling is the first growing stage after the seed. Root cuttings are root segments intended to produce a new plant. Bare-root stumps are a larger format, offer faster growth and are suited to professional projects.

Seeds are ideal for producing many plants at low cost, but they require more time and technique. Root cuttings allow a more direct start, with faster establishment in good conditions. The best choice depends on budget, experience, season and objective.

Classic root cuttings are very well suited to trials or moderate-quantity plantations. Bare-root stumps are larger, with a greater vegetative reserve, and are particularly suited to professional projects or large-scale plantations.

Paulownia seeds can germinate well if the conditions are right: light, warmth, regular humidity, a greenhouse effect, and a fine, well-draining substrate. They must not be buried. A sowing guide is provided with the relevant orders, and a dedicated page explains all the steps in detail.

Sow the seeds on the surface of a light, fine substrate without burying them. Keep a temperature around 20–25 °C, regular humidity and good light by enclosing everything in a mini-greenhouse or transparent box to create a greenhouse effect. Avoid excess water, which can cause damping-off. Then wait about ten days, misting if necessary.

Sowing is generally advised in spring, when light and temperatures become more favourable. It is also possible to sow indoors, with a horticultural lamp or in a heated greenhouse, if heat, light and humidity are well controlled.

Plant the cutting in light, loosened, well-draining and slightly moist soil or substrate. It should be placed slightly inclined according to its shape, the thicker end pointing upward, then covered with a few centimetres of soil. The soil should stay fresh without being waterlogged.

Our root cuttings show excellent establishment potential. In our trials and grower feedback, we have observed up to 98% success in good planting conditions. Success still depends on freshness, soil, moisture, temperature, timing and care.

Yes, but for as short a time as possible. If you can't plant immediately, keep the roots cool, away from direct sun, frost, heat and drying out. For storage of several weeks, place the cuttings in a closed bag in the refrigerator. The aim is to maintain freshness without excess humidity.

The best time is generally spring, after the hard frosts, when the soil starts to warm up. In mild regions, autumn planting can also be possible. Avoid periods of intense frost, drought or extreme heat.

Paulownia prefers deep, well-draining, aerated and reasonably fertile soils. It tolerates poorly constantly waterlogged, very compacted or asphyxiating soils. Well-prepared soil greatly improves establishment and growth.

Paulownia prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil, with an ideal pH between 6 and 7. It can nevertheless adapt to a wider range, generally between pH 5 and 8, provided the soil is deep, fertile and above all well drained.

It can adapt to different soil types if the structure and drainage are correct. In clay soil, root asphyxia must be avoided. In sandy soil, water and fertility may be lacking. In chalky soil, the variety and soil condition must be taken into account.

Yes, especially for serious projects. It is advisable to loosen the soil, remove direct competition, avoid compacted areas and improve the structure if necessary. A good start often determines growth in the first years.

Paulownia prefers a sunny exposure. Light promotes fast growth and good development. Partial shade can slow growth, especially in young plants.

Spacing depends on the variety and planting objective. For timber, 4 × 4 m, 5 × 5 m or 6 × 6 m are commonly used; intensive plantations can be denser, while agroforestry requires spacing adapted to the associated crops.

As a guide: 6 × 6 m = about 277 trees/ha; 5 × 5 m = about 400 trees/ha; 4 × 5 m = about 500 trees/ha; 4 × 4 m = about 625 trees/ha; 3 × 4 m = about 833 trees/ha; 3 × 3 m = about 1,111 trees/ha.

For a spacing of 5 × 5 m, about 400 roots or stumps per hectare are needed. It is advisable to add a 5–10% margin, i.e. about 425 to 450 roots to secure the project.

To obtain about 400 final plants, it is advisable to allow for more seeds than the number of trees wanted. Depending on sowing experience, losses and selection of the best plants, about 1,000 to 3,000 seeds may be needed to prepare 1 hectare.

Yes, it is possible to start Paulownia in a pot, especially for seedlings or cuttings. You will then need a deep pot, a well-draining substrate and repotting or planting in open ground once the root system develops.

Paulownia is a very fast-growing tree. In good conditions of soil, water, light and nutrition, some varieties can reach about 3 to 5 m of growth per year during the first years. This speed varies greatly with variety, climate and plantation management. Trials have notably observed trees reaching about 4.25 to 5 m during a single growing season after coppicing.

Paulownia has significant water needs during its first years of growth. In dry periods, a supply equivalent to about 100 to 150 L of water per m² per month can be a good benchmark, depending on variety, climate and soil type. Watering should be regular and deep, while keeping the soil well drained: Paulownia does not tolerate standing water.

Once well established, Paulownia develops a deeper root system and becomes less dependent on frequent watering. In prolonged dry periods, deep but spaced watering still remains beneficial, notably to maintain fast growth and good wood production. The amount depends mainly on climate, soil, rainfall and tree size; it is better to avoid repeated shallow watering and favour larger supplies that moisten the soil deeply.

A well-established Paulownia can cope with dry periods better than a young plant. However, in hot or dry climates, irrigation is strongly recommended in the first years to ensure establishment and maintain satisfactory growth.

Some varieties can show good cold resistance once established. Young plants remain more sensitive, especially in the first year. In cold regions, it is better to plant after the hard frosts and to protect young trees if necessary. More information on our dedicated variety and climate pages.

You need to limit weed competition, water regularly and more in dry periods, protect against hard frost, watch for pest insects such as bugs or animals, avoid excess water and support establishment. The first year is decisive for establishment.

Mulching, whether organic or synthetic, is strongly recommended to retain moisture, limit competing weeds and protect the soil.

Yes, if the goal is to produce a straight, valuable trunk. You need to select a main shoot, remove competing shoots and support vertical growth. Pruning depends on the age of the plant and the objective: timber, biomass, shade or ornament.

For a timber-oriented approach, the trunk can be cut back to about 3 cm from the ground during the first two years, in autumn, after leaf fall and outside frost periods. This technical pruning encourages a more vigorous, straight and regular shoot, in order to form a better-quality trunk.

Yes, Paulownia is able to regrow from the stump after cutting. In good conditions, it can produce several regrowth cycles. Depending on variety, soil, water and management, some projects can aim for up to 5 to 6 rotations.

The most common causes are soil that is too compacted, a lack of water, excess water, planting in conditions too cold, a lack of light, weed competition or a variety poorly suited to local conditions.

Establishment can take from several days to several weeks depending on temperature and conditions. You should not conclude too quickly. As long as the root stays firm and healthy, it can still shoot.

Paulownia is generally vigorous in good conditions, but it is not invincible. Problems often come from excess water, asphyxiating soil, poor drainage, planting stress or unsuitable management.

Paulownia is generally resistant, but it can be affected by root rot in poorly drained soil, certain fungal diseases and, above all in some regions, by Paulownia witches' broom, a disease caused by phytoplasmas. It is recognized notably by abnormal proliferation of small shoots, smaller yellowing leaves and progressive weakening of the tree. Good drainage, healthy plants and monitoring of vector insects such as certain bugs and leafhoppers help limit the risks.

Young Paulownias can occasionally be attacked by piercing-sucking insects, notably certain bugs, aphids or leafhoppers, which feed on sap and can deform or weaken young leaves. Serious damage generally remains limited on vigorous plants, but monitoring is recommended during the first years.

Yes, Paulownia can be grown without pesticides in many situations, especially with good soil, good water management and monitoring of young plants. Prevention remains the best strategy.

In-vitro plants are genetically identical clones, therefore very uniform. Paulownia seeds give trees of the same species, but with natural genetic variability between individuals. Root cuttings faithfully reproduce the selected individual they come from.

A very uniform plantation can be high-performing, but it can also be more vulnerable if all the trees share the same sensitivity to a disease, pest or climatic stress. Genetic diversity can improve the overall resilience of a plantation.

Even within the same variety or varietal group, some diversity between individuals can help a plantation react better to hazards. This does not guarantee the absence of disease, but can reduce the risk that the same problem affects all trees in the same way.

Paulownia wood is used for furniture, lightweight panels, musical instruments, surfboards, decoration, packaging, light projects, certain eco-construction uses and sometimes biomass. It is valued for its lightness, stability and ease of working.

Yes. Paulownia is classified among the very light woods, with a density generally around 220 to 350 kg/m³ at 12% moisture. For comparison, many pines and spruces are around 400 to 550 kg/m³, while some oaks reach about 640 to 800 kg/m³. This low density greatly facilitates the transport, handling and processing of the wood.

Paulownia wood is valued for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Light, stable and durable at the same time, it is used in many fields such as furniture, joinery, panels, musical instruments, interior fittings and certain nautical applications.

Paulownia is often nicknamed "the aluminium of wood" thanks to its remarkable combination of lightness, strength, stability and ease of processing. Its low density makes it possible to obtain very light pieces while keeping good performance for many uses.

Paulownia wood is valued for its stability and ease of processing. Its durability depends on wood quality, drying, any treatment, design and exposure. Like any wood, it must be used correctly according to context.

Yes. Paulownia is valued for its good dimensional stability and low dimensional movement, which limits shrinkage, swelling and warping under normal moisture variations. As with any wood, suitable protection is still recommended for permanent outdoor exposure.

Trials on Paulownia tomentosa have shown good resistance to certain fungi responsible for wood rot. This durability can be further improved significantly by certain heat treatments.

Paulownia shows interesting fire behaviour: its porous structure favours the rapid formation of a charred layer, and tests have shown relatively difficult ignition under certain conditions. It nevertheless remains a combustible material and should not be presented as fireproof.

Harvest is often considered after 7 to 10 years depending on variety, soil, climate, density, care and objective. For quality wood, growing management and trunk formation are essential.

In good growing conditions and with a well-managed plantation, one can aim for about 250 to 400 m³ of wood per hectare over a production cycle. This yield remains highly variable depending on variety, planting density, soil quality, irrigation, climate and tree management.

To obtain a straight, quality trunk, you need to choose a suitable variety, respect adequate spacing, maintain good water supply at the start, select a main stem and carry out the necessary formative pruning. Trunk regularity and the absence of defects strongly influence the wood's value.

Yes. Branches, prunings and wood not intended for timber can be chipped or used as energy biomass. Paulownia wood has a calorific value of around 19.5 MJ/kg of dry matter depending on the varieties studied, comparable to other species used for biomass.

Yes. The leaves contain, among other things, proteins, fibre and minerals, and have been studied as a supplementary feed for several animal species. They can be included in a suitable, balanced ration.

Yes. Besides logs, furniture and panels, Paulownia can be valued as biomass, wood chips, pellets, charcoal and activated carbon. Research has notably demonstrated its potential as a raw material for producing high-porosity activated carbon.

Paulownia can be profitable in certain well-prepared projects, but it is not an automatic guarantee. Profitability depends on the country, soil, climate, water, variety, costs, wood quality, density, care and commercial outlets.

As a guide, in good conditions, a plantation can generate several tens of thousands of euros per hectare over a harvest cycle. European studies have observed gross revenues exceeding €70,000/ha in certain favourable scenarios. The real result depends on yield, wood quality, the market and production costs.

Costs vary with irrigation, pruning, weeding, fertilization and labour. As a guide, a European study estimates annual expenses, outside the harvest year, at around €1,950/ha, with strong variations depending on the plantation and how it is managed.

As a guide in Europe, a Paulownia log can trade at around €100 to €220/m³, depending on its quality and diameter. Sawn boards are rather around €300 to €400/m³ green, and about €500 to €850/m³ once properly dried. Prices can be significantly higher for selected, planed or processed wood.

It can be sought after in certain sectors, but selling depends on the local market, wood quality, available volume, buyers, drying and logistics. In some countries the market is already known; in others, outlets must be created.

Possible outlets are furniture, panels, light joinery, instruments, surfboards, light projects, eco-construction, packaging, crafts and biomass. The most interesting outlet depends on the country and the wood quality.

Timber is generally better valued than biomass, but it requires a better-managed plantation, a straighter trunk and higher quality. Biomass can be useful for certain projects, but it depends heavily on volume, harvesting costs and the local market.

For a professional project, yes, it is strongly advised. You need to identify sawmills, processors, craftspeople, industrial buyers or export possibilities before investing in a large plantation.

A small plantation can be interesting to produce wood, test a variety, valorize land or create a complementary activity. Pure profitability is harder to reach on small areas if management, harvesting and marketing costs are high.

You need to study the land, water, climate, variety, density, costs, local market, regulations and outlets. Paulownia can be a tree of the future, but a profitable project mainly comes from good preparation.

Paulownia can have environmental value in certain projects: reforestation, agroforestry, land valorization, biomass production, shade, organic matter and carbon storage. The real impact depends on the project, location, management and respect for natural environments.

Thanks to its fast growth, Paulownia can store carbon in its biomass when it grows in good conditions. The real amount depends on variety, density, soil, water, climate, tree age and the final use of the wood.

Paulownia can be used in certain carbon projects, but planting Paulownia does not automatically give a right to carbon credits. A project must follow a recognized methodology, prove its additionality, measure storage, ensure monitoring and be verified according to the country's rules.

A carbon credit generally corresponds to one tonne of CO₂ avoided, reduced or stored according to a recognized method. To be credible, it must be measured, monitored, verified and recorded within a certification framework.

It can be suitable for certain projects, but only if the project is well designed: eligible land, suitable variety, long-term monitoring, risk management, carbon calculation and certification. You must distinguish ecological planting from official carbon credits.

Yes, it can help valorize certain degraded soils or wasteland thanks to its growth and its role as a pioneer tree. However, it does not replace a real soil-restoration strategy: analysis, preparation, plant cover, organic matter and water management.

Yes, it can be integrated into certain agroforestry systems for shade, biomass, wood production or diversification. However, spacing must be adapted so as not to compete excessively with the associated crops.

Yes, certain products can be shipped internationally depending on the country, product type and regulations. Seeds are generally simpler to ship than roots or stumps.

Yes, a phytosanitary certificate can be provided when necessary. Its availability, cost and formalities depend on the product, the quantity ordered and the destination country. Conditions are checked and specified before shipping.

No, seeds are often easier to ship, but they can also be subject to import rules depending on the country. Roots and stumps are generally more regulated because they are living plant material.

Yes, a parcel of seeds, roots or cuttings can be inspected or blocked by customs or phytosanitary services if the country requires specific documents. For international orders, the customer must also check their own country's rules.

Rules can vary by country and region. Paulownia is widely cultivated, but some species may be subject to restrictions, particular monitoring or import formalities. It is therefore recommended to check local regulations before any order or planting.

Orders are prepared with care according to the product type: seeds, root cuttings or stumps. The aim is to preserve the quality, freshness and vitality of the plant material until delivery.

Roots are packaged to limit drying out and preserve their freshness during transport. Packaging depends on the volume.

Times depend on the product, quantities, season and destination country. Seeds are often simpler and faster to ship. Roots or plants may require a longer preparation time, especially for large quantities or shipments with documents.

If your order arrives damaged or in an abnormal condition, send us photos of the product and a short explanation of the problem via our contact page. We will review the situation with you to propose the most suitable solution, which can include a replacement where justified.

Seeds, roots, cuttings and plants are living products. We do our utmost to supply quality products, but success also depends on conditions after receipt: planting, temperature, humidity, soil, watering and care. Delivery problems or abnormal products must be reported quickly with photos.

Establishment depends on factors the seller does not fully control: storage conditions after receipt, planting method, weather, excess or lack of water, soil, temperature, frost, direct sun or growing errors. That is why results must always be understood according to real growing conditions.

Yes, depending on the products, a growing guide or planting advice can be provided. Dedicated pages also explain in detail sowing, planting root cuttings, watering, care, pruning and mistakes to avoid.

Yes. In the event of a lost parcel, prolonged customs blockage or a problem preventing delivery, contact us with your order number. After checking the situation, a new shipment can be sent without delay to replace the order concerned.

For eligible products, you have 14 days after receipt to request a return. Contact us before any return so we can tell you the applicable procedure. Certain plant products likely to deteriorate quickly may however be excluded from the right of withdrawal.

Yes, we offer free international shipping to most destinations. However, for certain countries or orders requiring particularly costly transport or specific formalities, an additional contribution may be needed. In that case, we contact you before shipping and no supplement is applied without your agreement; you can also choose to cancel the order and be refunded.

We accept many secure payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Maestro, CB (Carte Bancaire), Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal as well as cryptocurrency payments. Available options may vary by country.

Yes. Payment in 3× or 4× with Klarna is available for eligible orders. This option may vary depending on the order amount, the country and the customer's eligibility with Klarna.

Yes. After shipping, you receive a tracking number to follow your order through to delivery. Simply click the tracking number to open the tracking page directly and see the latest available information on your parcel.

We generally reply to enquiries within 12 to 24 business hours. For professional projects or custom quote requests, additional time may be needed depending on the complexity of the request.

No, no specific minimum quantity is required to order on our site. For wholesale purchases, professional plantations or large quantities, contact us to get a personalized quote based on the variety, quantity and delivery country.

Yes, volume discounts can be offered depending on quantities, varieties, season and availability. For professional projects, it is recommended to request a personalized quote.

Yes, stumps can be offered for professional projects or large-scale plantations. They suit customers who want more robust plant material and a larger format than classic cuttings.

In some projects, planting several varieties can allow you to compare behaviour according to soil, climate and objective. It can also reduce the risk of a too-uniform plantation. The choice must remain consistent with the climate and the outlets sought.

Yes, depending on the periods and availability, it may be possible to reserve certain quantities in advance, especially for roots, stumps or specific varieties.

Yes, KiriGreen Paulownia can support individuals, farmers, companies, project developers, reforestation, agroforestry or land-valorization projects in choosing varieties, formats and quantities.

Simply indicate the country, area, project objective, the type of product wanted, the varieties considered, the planting period and the estimated quantities. This allows us to propose a more suitable solution.