With an average size of around 15 meters, the bluebell or emperor tree (bot. Paulownia) really cannot be called small. For example, if you want to keep it in a pot, then some cutting and care measures are necessary.
How can I keep a bluebell tree small?
To keep a bluebell tree small, you should cut the main shoot below the desired size and carry out annual pruning. Careful root pruning can also be helpful in limiting growth.
How fast does a bluebell tree grow?
At least when young, the paulownia is one of the very fast-growing trees, with annual growth of sometimes more than two meters. However, an older tree can also grow by up to one meter per year. This shows that you have to start cutting quite early if you really want to keep your bluebell tree small.
How do I keep my bluebell tree small?
First you should think about how big you want your bluebell tree to be in the end. Would you like to have a bonsai or would you rather have a “normal” potted plant? If you start cutting before it reaches this size, you can give your bluebell tree a beautiful shape. Annual pruning is necessary to limit size growth.
With a bonsai, regular pruning of the roots is just as important as above-ground pruning. You can also prune the roots of a potted plant, but you should only do this carefully. To avoid transmitting any germs while cutting, you should clean your tools thoroughly.
How do I make the first cut?
Since a paulownia can grow to two meters high in its first year, you should start cutting during this time. If you shorten the main shoot, a fork will form on the buds below the cut point. You can now use these for the design. If you cut off one of the two new shoots, your bluebell tree will form a very strong leader.
The most important things in brief:
- Keeping small possible with appropriate cutting
- Cut off the main shoot below the desired size
- annual pruning required
- possibly make a radical cut now and then
- Prune roots carefully
Tip
Even with regular pruning, your bluebell tree will continue to grow in the pot. Either shorten it with a radical cut or think about planting it in the garden.
