Akplants of Norwich
The plant we supply is about 12 inches tall in a 5 inch pot.
Here are some tips for overwintering Persian silk trees (Albizia julibrissin):
- Protect young trees: Young trees are more vulnerable to frost damage and need extra protection. In the first few years, you can wrap the trunk with fleece or a mat and cover the roots with leaves.
- Plant in a sheltered location: Plant in a sunny spot that's protected from strong winter winds.
- Use mulch: Cover the root plate with a thick layer of mulch to keep the roots warm.
- Move potted trees: If your Persian silk tree is in a container, move it to a dry, frost-free place like a greenhouse or unheated winter garden. Water it regularly.
- Choose a frost-tolerant variety: In colder regions, choose a variety that can tolerate more frost.
- Prune: In spring, prune to remove dead branches and excessive growth.
- Remove frost damage: If some parts of the tree are damaged by frost, you can prune them out without harming the tree.
Persian silk trees are native to Asia and have fern-like leaves and fragrant pink-white flowers. They are hardy in much of the UK and can tolerate frost and snow. However, they lose their leaves in October and go dormant for the winter and into spring.
The Mimosa Tree is a stunning show of flowers, which are often compared to starbursts or fireworks. This small to medium-sized tree displays the most beautiful pink flowers in the depths of summer. Butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds will flock to these flowers, which show off bright, tight clusters of pink to yellow-tipped stamens. Frequently known as the “silk tree”, the stamens of the flower are reminiscent of silk threads. The Mimosa Tree has unique palmate leaves, which appear as tiny fronds similar to the leaves of palm trees or fern plants. Texture is a large aspect of why the Mimosa Tree has gained popularity.
The Mimosa Tree is known by many other names throughout the world. Its Italian namesake, Filippo degli Albizzi, provides it a portion of its scientific name, Albizia julibrissin. The other part of the name is derived from a Persian word meaning “silk flower”. Commonly found throughout the world’s warmer climates, the Mimosa Tree is a popular ornamental tree. It is also fast-growing, making it an irresistible choice for many homeowners. For gardeners hoping to provide dappled shade for smaller plants, the 20 to 25 foot tall Mimosa Tree provide the necessary height, shape, and leave density. It is always a beautiful addition to the garden.
These drought-resistant and fast-growing trees do produce beautiful flowers, which when coupled with its small fruit and leaves, can create the need for a clean-up routine. Well worth the clean-up and pruning, Mimosa Trees are positively beautiful when planted as either a central focal point in the yard or in a row as a border along fences.
Growing requirements
Hardiness: RHS H4
Aspect: A south or west facing site should be selected
Shelter: A warm, sheltered site ids required away from cold winds
Sun: Full sun is required for best growth and flowering
Soil: A soil of any texture is acceptable but it must be well drained
pH A wide range of soil pH is tolerated.
More details
Sunlight – Mimosa Trees prefer full sun; in drier regions, some partial afternoon shade for the tree may prove beneficial.
Soil – The adaptable Mimosa Tree prefers moist, well-drained acidic soil; however, the tree is often successful in a variety of other soil conditions.
Water – The drought-tolerant Mimosa Tree prefers at least an inch of water a week; however, it is able to withstand mild to moderate droughts with relative ease.
Pruning – Pruning should occur in winter, while the tree is dormant only after it is established (3 years). Remove dead or diseased wood.
The Best Places to Plant the Mimosa Tree
The Mimosa Tree, which originated in southwestern and eastern Asia, prefers the warmer climates. The tree is now commonly found throughout many regions of the world, and it can withstand brief cold spells.
Plant the Mimosa Tree in an area that receive full sun, though some partial shade, especially in the driest regions. The Mimosa Tree is best suited as an accent plant, where its ornamental beauty will not be lost. For many gardeners, this may mean a center-garden or center-yard spot. The Mimosa Tree can also be used to line entryways or driveways, and its uniform shape allows it to pair nicely with others in its species.
Mimosa Trees prefer the moist, well-drained soil typical of loam. With regard to pH, the tree enjoys slightly acidic soil. Despite these preferences, the Mimosa Tree readily adapts to various soil conditions. Water is not as much of a concern for the Mimosa Tree. In fact, short dry spells will not harm this tree since it is drought-resistant. Like most flowering trees, the Mimosa prefers at least an inch of water a week in the form of rainfall or irrigative services. If the region in which the tree is planted is prone to severe droughts, consider investing in an irrigation system that will not only help control the flow of water, but disperse it to the Mimosa during those truly hot, long-lasting droughts.
Growth Rate and Mature Height
The Mimosa Tree is a small to medium sized ornamental tree. It is also exceptionally fast-growing. Expect the tree to quickly reach between 20 and 25 feet in height and 10 to 20 feet in width. The growth rate of the tree is fast, frequently earning the Mimosa Tree as much as 5 feet in a growing season!
Pests, Diseases, and Other Concerns
The Mimosa Tree is known to be a hardy, disease-resistant ornamental tree. Despite these benefits, there is one vascular fungal disease that can affect the growth of the Mimosa Tree. Mimosa Wilt is the most fatal of the diseases to impact the Mimosa Tree. The leaves of the Mimosa will yellow and wither before midsummer, often interrupting flowering. Many trees die quickly after wilting is observed, though most die branch by branch.
Diseased trees in advanced stages of the disease’s development may produce ooze from cracks in the trunk. Using a balance fertilizer can help to reduce the likelihood of the Mimosa developing this wilt. Water frequently and remove diseased wood.