It is summer, and it is hot and you want shade, like --- yesterday. But you also want something pretty and even useful (outside of providing shade), if you can. What on earth will you grow?
Growing a tree that grows fast immediately brings up concerns for landscapers and gardeners alike. We want to make sure we aren't growing something that is invasive. After all, when one planting turns into 200 saplings popping up everywhere, most of us would not be happy.
Well, we have one suggestion for anybody who lives in Hardiness Zone 7+, the Royal Empress Tree - specifically, Paulownia elongata. That is because this variety produces STERILE seeds. They CANNOT germinate!
You'll have to check out the video to believe just how fast this tree grows.
Frankly, it's just plain crazy.
If the growth we are seeing continues then in 4 years we will have a fully grown 50' tall, 40' wide shade tree that produces pleasant looking and smelling flower clusters early every spring, which are a source of food for honeybees and native pollinators alike. It won't be their primary source of food, but as an early source it is a great way to help out those beneficial insects that are just beginning to start their pollination efforts.
Plus the wood can be used for crafts, furniture, and many other things. It is commonly said that you can make big $ off of the wood, but that requires you finding a buyer - which might not be likely, so keep your ambitions to your own use for the wood and not expecting to grow a grove of this to make your millions.
Whatever your purpose for growing the tree it will certainly make a statement - with its fast growth, bigger-than-your-head leaves, and perfume-like aroma - it will be the conversation starter that sits in your yard!
TIP: We cheated, as any proper gardener would. We used the Organic Fertilizer Tree Spikes to help give this tree a boost. You might want to consider doing the same thing, or something similar. Fast growth means a lot of nutrients being used up in your soil!
