The bluebell tree lives up to its name during the flowering period, because the pink-violet to blue flowers stand upright like bellflowers in umbels up to 40 centimeters long and have an intoxicating scent. But it is not easy to care for.
How do you care for a bluebell tree?
To properly care for the bluebell tree, it needs a warm, dry and wind-protected location, a well-drained and moderately dry soil as well as regular watering and fertilization. You should also cut it back between May and July and provide protection to young trees in the winter.
The ideal location
Warm and dry is the ideal location for your bluebell tree, also known as the imperial tree or paulownia. It cannot tolerate cold wind, especially in winter. Due to its imposing appearance, the bluebell tree should be planted as a solitary tree, and the sprawling crown also requires a lot of space. Paulownia tolerates drought and heat relatively well.
Which soil is best for the bluebell tree?
The bluebell or imperial tree originally comes from China. It likes moderately dry to slightly fresh and not too poor soil. This can be slightly acidic to alkaline and should not promote waterlogging. If the soil is too moist and clayey, the young shoots of your bluebell tree will not woody in time.
Water and fertilize the bluebell tree properly
Although the bluebell tree has a fairly high water requirement, an older tree can cover this quite well on its own. Its roots are widely branched. A young tree, on the other hand, should be watered regularly, especially in summer. In spring and/or summer the bluebell tree is grateful for a gift of ripe compost (€12.00 on Amazon).
Pruning the bluebell tree
The bluebell tree tolerates pruning quite well, even if it is a bit radical. It is best to prune your tree between May and July before it forms its new buds. You can cut off shoots damaged by frost in the spring.
The bluebell tree in winter
A young bluebell tree is not yet hardy. It definitely needs appropriate winter protection. Since the flower buds form in autumn, the bluebell tree is somewhat susceptible to late frosts. These occasionally cause the buds to freeze.
The most important things in brief:
- Location: warm, dry and protected from the wind
- Soil: loose, well-drained, moderately dry to slightly moist
- regular pruning makes sense, ideally between May and July
- very resistant to diseases and pests
Tip
Only plant a bluebell tree if you can offer it enough space.
