Albizia julibrissin

Albizia julibrissin Details

Albizia julibrissin, commonly known as the Silk Tree, is a popular tree owing to its delicate foliage and showy flowers. The fern-like foliage is mid-green and the sensitive leaflets close up at night or when touched. As autumn progresses the leaves develop yellow tones before eventually falling. The foliage is adorned with fluffy, rose-red flowers from summer through autumn which literally transform the tree. It grows to produce a flattened and spreading crown as it reaches 6 m tall and 5 m wide. It can be trimmed as necessary and performs best when planted in full sun on a well-drained, semi-sheltered site. It is tolerant of frost, cool climates, and short periods of dry. Albizia julibrissin is commonly planted as a specimen in medium to large sized gardens, grown as a back drop for smaller plants, used in avenue plantings, or planted to provide shade around the barbecue and other outdoor living areas.