About

Albizia julibrissin is a medium-sized deciduous tree featuring a wide, open canopy. Its large, mimosa-like foliage consists of numerous small leaflets. In summer, the tree produces fluffy, greenish-yellow flowers with elongated stamens, which bloom at the crown. After flowering, it develops clusters of slender, pale brown pods that may persist into the winter months.

About the genus

Albizia includes a range of deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbing plants. They feature bipinnate foliage consisting of numerous small leaflets. The flower clusters are made up of many tiny flowers, notable for their prominent stamens.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, South-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants
Native to
Transcaucasus to Japan

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Alternating mild and cold spells may damage top-growth. Saplings should flower in three years
Pruning
Pruning group 1 or pruning group 13 if wall-trained
Propagation
Root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer. Propagate 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
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to verticillium wilt and honey fungus