Albizia julibrissin Chocolate Fountain ('Ncaj1')

RHS Plant Profile

silk tree [Chocolate Fountain]

Synonyms

Albizia julibrissin 'Ncaj1'

Shrubs Trees

Buy this from Plant Nurseries
5 Suppliers

A large shrub or small deciduous tree with large, mimosa-like, deep-purple bipinnate leaves which emerge bronze-green. Fluffy rose-pink flower-heads, with prominent stamens, open in summer. Flat bean-like seed pods follow into winter. An exotic-looking tree which is ideal for smaller gardens where space is limited, or in pots and containers

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: 4-8 metres
Max Height: 4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H4
Drought Resistance: Yes

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: 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: Trade

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil, preferably in full sun for best flower production. Alternating mild and cold spells may damage top-growth. Saplings should flower in three years. Drought-tolerant and thrives in high summer heat and humidity

Propagation

Propagate by rooting semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer or 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
Cottage and informal garden
Mediterranean climate plants
Patio and container 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