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Albizia julibrissin - Silk Tree

Albizia julibrissin
Silk Tree, Nemu tree

3,8/5
2 reviews
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1 reviews
1 reviews
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I planted everything from seeds, there were supposed to be 8 or 9 seeds, but only 2 have sprouted. Currently, they are in pots and are about 10 cm (4in) tall, and they are doing well. We'll see in the long run if they survive!

Elodie D., 26/08/2019

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

Small deciduous tree with delicate and finely cut foliage, this Albizia evokes the lightness of a mimosa. It blooms in summer, with clusters of pink and fragrant stamen, grouped towards the top of its branches. It thrives in sunlight, well-drained soil, and a sheltered position away from cold winds.
Flower size
4 cm
Height at maturity
2.50 m
Exposure
Sun
Annual / Perennial
Perennial
Germination time (days)
18 days
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Sowing period March to May
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Flowering time July to August
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Description

Small deciduous tree with finely cut foliage, Albizia julibrissin, also known as Silk Tree, evokes the lightness of a mimosa. It flowers in summer, with clusters of pink and fragrant stamens grouped towards the top of its branches. It thrives in sunlight, well-drained soil, and a sheltered position away from cold winds.

 

Albizia julibrissin is a small deciduous tree of the Fabaceae family, whose range extends from Iran to eastern China. It typically reaches a height of 2.5 to 3m (8 to 10ft) in our climates, with a spreading crown that is equivalent to or slightly larger than its height. It flowers in July-August, producing fluffy and silky inflorescences that have earned it the name Silk Tree. These inflorescences are actually made up of long, visible pink stamens, surpassing the rudimentary corollas grouped in heads. The fragrance of the flowers is mostly noticeable up close, powdery and sweet. The flowering gives way to a fruit, a flat pod, 8 to 20 cm (3 to 8in) long, initially green and then brown, containing 5 to 15 fairly large oval seeds, which germinate easily. The leaves, deciduous and light green, are alternate and very large, measuring from 15 to 40 cm (6 to 16in). They are divided into large leaflets, which are further subdivided into small leaflets. The bark is thin, initially grey-green and then grey, almost smooth, with whitish lenticels. Finally, and this is a characteristic of plants in the Fabaceae family, the roots form nodules capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, through specific bacteria present in these organs. The taproot system of this small tree does not tolerate transplanting well. The lifespan of the Albizia varies, but in our climates it typically reaches around thirty years.

 

The Silk Tree, with its majestic and airy silhouette, is planted as a single specimen to provide a light shade, for example on a patio. Its flowering enhances its exotic nature. Care must be taken to ensure its hardiness by planting it in well-drained soil, in sunlight, and sheltered from dominant winds and cold drafts.

 

Albizia julibrissin - Silk Tree in pictures

Albizia julibrissin - Silk Tree (Flowering) Flowering
Albizia julibrissin - Silk Tree (Foliage) Foliage
Albizia julibrissin - Silk Tree (Plant habit) Plant habit

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time July to August
Inflorescence Flower head
Flower size 4 cm
Fragrance Fragrant, Powdery, sweet
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Annual
Foliage colour green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 2.50 m
Spread at maturity 2.50 m
Growth rate fast

Botanical data

Genus

Albizia

Species

julibrissin

Family

Fabaceae

Other common names

Silk Tree, Nemu tree

Origin

Middle East

Product reference6251

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Planting and care

The seeds of Albizia are small, flat, and surrounded by a very hard shell. To crack or soften it, soak the seeds in water for a few days, then sponge and sow. The best way is to pour water at around 70°C (158°F) into a Thermos bottle. Throw the seeds in, close it, and sow the next day.

Sow under cover from March, at 15-16°C (59-60.8°F), or in open ground in May. Sowing under cover is not imperative, but it allows for stronger plants when winter arrives. Place the seeds in light soil, spacing them 10 cm (4in) apart. Germination takes 10 to 20 days.

Keep the plants in full light, even in the sun.

Water lightly, without drowning the sowing.

Treat against rust.

Transplant the plants into deep trays or individual pots, 20 cm (8in) apart, when they have developed four sets of leaves.

Transplant into buckets at the end of summer.

Moderately hardy, Albizia does not tolerate very heavy frosts well, especially in its youth. It appreciates full sun, less so partial shade and not at all full shade. In cooler climates, it should be planted in very sheltered areas. It adapts to all types of soil, but does not tolerate temporarily or permanently waterlogged soils. However, it tolerates drought. It is sensitive to wind as its wood is fragile, sensitive to wood-rotting fungi in case of significant injuries, and to Coral disease.

16
€14.50 Each

Sowing period

Sowing period March to May
Germination time (days) 18 days

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Free-standing, Hedge
Hardiness Hardy down to -20°C (USDA zone 6b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Experienced
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, Draining, light
3,8/5
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