Royal Empress tree (Paulownia Pao Tong Z07) is one of the fastest growing trees in the world. It can grow as much as 8 to 15 feet in a single year and 14 to 17 feet in 4 to 5 years. It can eventually reach heights of 30 to 40 feet. It prefers moist, deep, well-drained soil, but will tolerate a wide range of soils. It does best in full sun or partial shade and is sheltered from the wind. This new cultivar is native to Japan and is good for cold climates down to -25 degrees. It would serve as a good windbreak or shade in only a few years.