One of the most spectacular of ornamental flowering trees the Foxglove Tree takes its name from the foxglove-like flowers which are formed in autumn but do not open until the following spring.

Introduced from China in 1834 its wood is much prized in Japan for furniture making.

Amazingly a mature tree in its native environment can produce up to 20 million seeds per year which converts to over 85 000 seeds per ounce.

The tree was named after Anna Pavlovna daughter of Czar Paul 1 and wife of Prince Willem of the Netherlands.

It is so quick to grow in its younger years that its growth rings have been recorded at three every inch.

However our more temperate climate slows it down and any growth under pencil thickness generally succumbs to winter frosts which contribute to its overall broadness.

The flower cases are formed in the autumn so if the temperature dips below 5 degrees Celsius for too long no flower will develop the following spring.

A fast growing medium to large round headed tree. It does best in a sunny reasonably sheltered site where it will produce a breathtaking display of violet-blue and yellow flowers in May once it is established.

Its large hairy leaves can reach 30cm or more across.

Mature height: 12-17m

Mature spread: 7-12m