Albizia julibrissin, Silk Tree
Ranging from Iran east to China, this deciduous tree is named for the long, silky stamens (the visible part of the flower heads) creamy white to deep pink, borne in late summer.
Growing up to 4 metres tall this wide spreading tree is an excellent specimen in the garden. Its free flowering habit coupled with its flat-crowned tree shape and luxuriant feathery, almost subtropical looking foliage provides a new dimension to the garden. It likes a temperate climate and will grow well in Canterbury, except where there are very hard frosts, and does very well in large containers but seldom lives beyond 30 years.
Dark flowered cultivars are usually called Albizia julibrissin var. rosea however there may be the odd named cultivar available.
There is a dark purple leaved form called Albiza julbrissin 'Summer Chocolate'.
Pests and diseases are few and the main problem encountered is a fungus called Coral Spot this should be removed by cutting the branch off somewhat below the area of infection. Silk trees tends to drop litter, including flowers, leaves, and 6-inch-long seedpods.
Prune the Silk Tree as an ornamental tree. To preserve its flat top shape and canopy effect remove lower branches. Also when the long summer growing branches tend to droop shorten them back so the do not hang down causing a problem.
Albizia julibrissin The Silk Tree is one of two species commonly available. For the most part Albizia species are quick growing tropical trees and shrubs with globular clusters of long-stamened flowers, rather like those of many Mimosa and Acacia species but larger. They have feathery leaves and densely clustered small flowers in which the stamens are far longer and more conspicuous than the petals. In nature they are often rather weedy small trees and frequently short lived, but they can be quite ornamental.
A selection of photos are on my Pinterest page Albiza julbrissin
Growing up to 4 metres tall this wide spreading tree is an excellent specimen in the garden. Its free flowering habit coupled with its flat-crowned tree shape and luxuriant feathery, almost subtropical looking foliage provides a new dimension to the garden. It likes a temperate climate and will grow well in Canterbury, except where there are very hard frosts, and does very well in large containers but seldom lives beyond 30 years.
Dark flowered cultivars are usually called Albizia julibrissin var. rosea however there may be the odd named cultivar available.
There is a dark purple leaved form called Albiza julbrissin 'Summer Chocolate'.
Pests and diseases are few and the main problem encountered is a fungus called Coral Spot this should be removed by cutting the branch off somewhat below the area of infection. Silk trees tends to drop litter, including flowers, leaves, and 6-inch-long seedpods.
Prune the Silk Tree as an ornamental tree. To preserve its flat top shape and canopy effect remove lower branches. Also when the long summer growing branches tend to droop shorten them back so the do not hang down causing a problem.
Albizia julibrissin The Silk Tree is one of two species commonly available. For the most part Albizia species are quick growing tropical trees and shrubs with globular clusters of long-stamened flowers, rather like those of many Mimosa and Acacia species but larger. They have feathery leaves and densely clustered small flowers in which the stamens are far longer and more conspicuous than the petals. In nature they are often rather weedy small trees and frequently short lived, but they can be quite ornamental.
A selection of photos are on my Pinterest page Albiza julbrissin