A rare Chinese tree has found a new home in Cumbria.
The Paulownia tree was once feared to be extinct but was rediscovered in recent years.
It remains on the official IUCN Red List of Critically Endangered Plant Species.
Now, a sapling has been planted at Holker Hall and Gardens, thanks to renowned arboriculturist Tony Kirkham MBE, former head of the arboretum, gardens and horticultural services at Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew.
The young tree has been propagated from a specimen growing at Kew Gardens and was gifted to the Cumbrian hall by Tony.
Head gardener Matthew Murgatroyd said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Tony for this generous and important donation.
“To receive a tree of such rarity and provenance is very special for Holker.
“Chinese plants have played a huge role in shaping the character of British gardens and this Paulownia is a living reminder of that extraordinary horticultural
connection.”
