[David Dickinson]

I have seen one or two trees of this in places around Rome. There are 2 big specimens in Piazza della Chiesa Nuova which should be in flower now given that the small tree in my local park is. There are also 2 younger trees in the square on the opposite side of the road from Piazza della Chiesa Nuova which are shown in the photograph attached (2015). Maybe seedlings? Talking of which, I notice Chantal's seed list does not contain this tree. I must try to supply her with some seeds.

[Alisdair]

Lovely close-up, John - though I've seen the tree fairly often, it's never been so close to see how felty-looking those flowers are.

[Hilary]

Paulownia tomentosa, Empress tree, Foxglove tree

I was thrilled to find this tree, quite near our home, on a street I hardly ever go down. Apparently, its leaves become huge and its seeds spread easily.

Paulownia tomentosa is mentioned in several issues of THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN
I chose
GEMS FROM A GARDEN
-NOT JUST THE DIFFICULTIES
By Virginia Scaretti

THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN number 19,
Winter 2000