Empress Tree ( Paulownia tomentosa)

Native to China the Empress Tree is one of the showiest flowering trees outside of the tropics. They are covered with a long bloom of two inch fragrant blue- purple tube shaped flowers in the spring, have huge lush furry heart shaped leaves and a striking winter branch pattern. Widely farmed in China the wood is used for making cabinets and boxes. Flowers make good bee forage. Fast growing to 40 to 50 feet and hardy to zones 6-9.