Paulownia

The typical Paulownia grown in the UK, P. tomentosa, the foxglove tree, is a sight to behold in spring, with its incredible large purple flowers, on erect panicles, en-masse. Highlighted to a an even greater extent, as they flowers before the leaves unfurl. Younger trees can be coppiced, to produce large and textural leaves, but at the expense of flowers. Around 9 species in South East Asia.