Albizia julibrissin
silk tree
A medium-sized, deciduous tree with a broad, spreading crown. The large, mimosa-like leaves are composed of many small leaflets. Fluffy, greenish-yellow flowers with long stamens open on the top of the crown in summer, followed by clusters of long, narrow, pale brown pods that can hang on into winter
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Brown | ||
| Winter | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Albizia can be deciduous trees, shrubs or climbers, with attractive bipinnate leaves with tiny leaflets, and flowerheads composed of many small flowers with prominent stamens
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Transcaucasus to Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Alternating mild and cold spells may damage top-growth. Saplings should flower in three years
Propagation
Root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer. Propagate by seed: collect seeds from pea-like pods and soften their coats in very hot water, leave to cool for 24 hours and sow. After germination transplant into root trainers to avoid disturbing tap roots
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Mediterranean climate plants
Pruning
Pruning group 1 or pruning group 13 if wall-trained
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to verticillium wilt and honey fungus
Get involved
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