Paulownia tomentosa

This deciduous tree has thick shoots and large, lobed, bright green leaves. Fragrant pinkish lilac flowers appear in late spring with the foliage. When grown as a perennial, its robust shoots become sturdy stems 5cm (2 inches) in diameter, with mammoth leaves as much as 2 feet (6m) across. Paulownia tomentosa can grow to 2m (6 feet tall) in a single season. By cutting back the branches you will get big leaves every year.