EMPRESS TREE Fast-growing, Hardy Flowering Shade TreeThe ‘Empress Paulownia’ tree – named for a Brazilian aristocrat – is so fast growing its actual rate of growth is hard to believe. Plants grow so fast, the height of the tree can be measured in feet from month to month, growing more in a month than most other trees grow in a year. Both the flowers and leaves are decorative. The purple flowers are clustered in a spire like foxgloves, up to eight inches long, and the large heart-shaped leaves will measure up to 12 inches in length. They are heart-shaped and provide cooling shade. Just give these trees a sunny location, and even in poor soils they will thrive. Use one as a lawn accent for passers-by to admire; plant two to string a hammock between, or line your property boundary with a whole line of them spaced ten feet apart to improve your property value.