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Would someone please clear these two trees up for me. Is one more invasive than the other? Are the blooms on one prettier and/or more fragrant than the other? I'm serious about buying one of these, but DO NOT want to get the wrong one. I've read mixed thoughts. Is one more desirable than the other? Thanks in advance.
Well, you definitely do not want P. tomentosa, it's on the invasive list in a number of states. I'm not sure that P. kawakamii would behave any better, but it's not nearly as widespread in cultivation so therefore you likely won't find it on anyone's invasive lists. Doesn't mean it's any better, just that enough people haven't planted them yet to know whether they're a problem or not. If you live in an area where P. tomentosa is invasive though I would probably not take the chance. As far as other differences, from what I've read P. kawakamii won't get as big, 30-ish ft vs 70-ish ft for P. tomentosa.
Houston's pretty warm, maybe you could consider a Jacaranda instead, it's also got gorgeous purple flowers and is much better behaved.
I guess I'll do some research on the Jacaranda. I did see these beautiful trees this past Spring while traveling through Phoenix, AZ. I guess the things I liked about the Royal Empress Tree were it's fast growing habit, and the colorful fragant flowers. Any other ideas would be appreciated.
