Find the right Paulownia for your climate & project
Choosing the right variety is the first step toward a successful plantation. Start with your climate zone, then explore each of our 8 varieties in detail — origin, growth, cold tolerance, uses and availability.
Select your climate zone
Click your region below to instantly see which Paulownia varieties are generally best suited to your conditions.
Cold / Continental
Eastern Europe, Germany, Poland, mountains
Temperate
France, Benelux, UK, Central Europe
Mediterranean
Spain, Italy, Greece, North Africa, Turkey
Dry / Semi-arid
Inland Spain, Middle East, dry plains
Warm / Subtropical
Humid warm regions, subtropics
Cold & Continental Climates
Shan Tong
Specifically selected for cold resistance and production stability. The reference variety for harsh winters.
See full details →Pao Tong Z07
Vigorous super-hybrid with good adaptability to continental conditions once established.
See full details →Hybrid 9501
Robust hybrid that performs well in variable terrain, including cooler regions with proper care.
See full details →Tomentosa
The hardiest classic species. Suitable for ornamental projects in cold regions depending on exposure.
See full details →Temperate Climates
Shan Tong
Excellent balance of vigour, stability and cold tolerance. A safe choice for most temperate projects.
See full details →Pao Tong Z07
High vigour and adaptability — popular for timber and agroforestry projects in temperate regions.
See full details →Hybrid 9501
Reliable on variable terrain. Good establishment reported across most temperate conditions.
See full details →Hybrid 9502
Close to 9501 in behaviour — worth considering depending on growth preferences and goals.
See full details →Tomentosa
The European classic. Ideal for ornamental use, hedges and seed-based projects.
See full details →Elongata
Slender habit, suited to hedges and vertical structures in milder temperate areas.
See full details →Mediterranean & Warm Climates
Fortunei
Performs very well in warm climates. A reference species for Mediterranean and southern regions.
See full details →Elongata
Thrives in warm conditions. Elegant slender habit, well suited to southern ornamental and mixed projects.
See full details →Pao Tong Z07
Strong vigour in warm climates with irrigation. Widely used for timber projects in southern Europe.
See full details →Shan Tong
Versatile hybrid that also performs in warm regions with adequate water supply.
See full details →9502 / 9503 Oxytree
Used in several Mediterranean agro-ecological projects. To be assessed based on soil and irrigation.
See full details →Dry & Semi-arid Climates
Pao Tong Z07
Among the most resilient hybrids in challenging conditions, provided initial irrigation is secured.
See full details →Shan Tong
Good general resilience. Can perform in semi-arid zones with drip irrigation during establishment.
See full details →Fortunei
Heat-tolerant species that may suit semi-arid projects where water can be provided initially.
See full details →Warm & Subtropical Climates
Fortunei
The most heat-adapted species in our range. Performs well in warm humid regions with good drainage.
See full details →Elongata
Naturally suited to warm climates. A solid option for subtropical ornamental and mixed plantations.
See full details →Selected hybrids
Some hybrids can suit subtropical projects — contact us with your location details for guidance.
See hybrids →Our 8 Paulownia varieties in detail
We offer both selected hybrids and pure species. Here's what sets them apart before you dive into each one.
Hybrid varieties
Hybrids are crosses selected for vigour, growth speed and genetic stability. They are propagated through root cuttings and bare-root stumps to keep their exact characteristics. Ideal for timber, agroforestry and large-scale plantations.
Available as root cuttings & bare-root stumpsNon-hybrid species
Pure species reproduce true to type from seed. They offer the authentic character of Paulownia and suit ornamental projects, hedges and growers who want to start from scratch. Also available as cuttings and stumps.
Available as seeds, root cuttings & bare-root stumpsHybridPao Tong Z07
From P. kawakamii × P. tomentosa × P. fortunei, Z07 is one of the most popular and versatile hybrids on the market. It stands out for its excellent cold hardiness (down to –33 °C), its strong vigour and its broad adaptability across soil types and climates.
HybridShan Tong
From P. tomentosa × P. fortunei, Shan Tong combines good cold hardiness (to around –28 °C), even growth and a naturally straight trunk. It's the go-to variety for Central and Eastern Europe and any project facing harsher winters, while remaining versatile in milder regions.
HybridHybrid 9501
From P. tomentosa × P. fortunei, 9501 is a versatile selection offering a good balance between growth, cold hardiness and adaptability. Frequently chosen for projects on variable terrain, it suits timber, agroforestry, windbreak hedges and melliferous plantations.
HybridHybrid 9502
From P. tomentosa × P. fortunei, 9502 is characterised by steady, even growth and good adaptation to different soil types. It shares many traits with 9501 and behaves similarly in the field — an interesting choice for forestry, mixed and agroforestry plantations. Our team can help you decide between the two.
Hybrid9503 Oxytree
From P. tomentosa × P. fortunei, 9503 — also known as "Oxytree" — is a vigorous selection geared towards high productivity. Prized in many agro-ecological projects, it is particularly suited to timber, biomass and high-density plantations.
Non-hybridPaulownia tomentosa
A very hardy pure species (tolerating around –25 to –27 °C), the most well-known classic Paulownia in Europe. Renowned for its spectacular fragrant, melliferous purple blossom and elegant natural form. As a pure species, it reproduces true to type from seed — perfect for ornamental projects, beekeeping and growers starting from scratch.
Non-hybridPaulownia elongata
A pure species with particularly fast growth and a notably slender, upright habit — often chosen for hedges, windbreaks and vertical structures. Elongata thrives in warm to temperate conditions and is prized for its highly ornamental lilac blossom, making it a strong candidate for Mediterranean and subtropical projects.
Non-hybridPaulownia fortunei
A pure species valued for its straight trunk, fast growth and quality lightweight timber, with relatively good cold tolerance combined with excellent heat performance. Fortunei is a reference for Mediterranean, warm and subtropical regions, and a symbol of prosperity in Asia. Its large leaves and fragrant purple blossom also give it real ornamental appeal.
All varieties compared
How each variety generally behaves across climate zones. Always confirm with your local soil, water and exposure conditions.
| Variety | Type | Cold | Temperate | Mediterranean | Dry | Subtropical | Available as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shan Tong | Hybrid | Strong | Strong | Good | Possible | — | Cuttings · Stumps |
| Pao Tong Z07 | Hybrid | Good | Strong | Strong | Good | Possible | Cuttings · Stumps |
| Hybrid 9501 | Hybrid | Possible | Strong | Good | Possible | — | Cuttings · Stumps |
| Hybrid 9502 | Hybrid | Possible | Good | Good | Possible | — | Cuttings · Stumps |
| 9503 Oxytree | Hybrid | Possible | Good | Good | Possible | — | Cuttings · Stumps |
| Tomentosa | Non-hybrid | Good | Strong | Possible | — | — | Seeds · Cuttings · Stumps |
| Elongata | Non-hybrid | — | Region-dep. | Strong | Possible | Good | Seeds · Cuttings · Stumps |
| Fortunei | Non-hybrid | Possible | Good | Strong | Possible | Strong | Seeds · Cuttings · Stumps |
This guide is provided for general information only. The behaviour of each Paulownia variety depends on climate, soil, altitude, exposure, water availability and the goal of your plantation. For professional projects, a site analysis is recommended. Contact us for personalized advice before ordering.
Start your Paulownia project
Shop seeds, root cuttings or bare-root stumps — or contact us for a recommendation tailored to your exact location and project.