About

Albizia julibrissin Ombrella ('Boubri' PBR) is a compact deciduous tree or tall shrub characterized by a wide, spreading canopy. This plant begins to bloom early in its life cycle, producing abundant clusters of fluffy, cherry-pink flowers with elongated stamens during the summer months. The foliage consists of vibrant green, fern-like leaves made up of numerous small leaflets. After flowering, it develops elongated, slender pods that are pale brown and may persist through the winter season.

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

Plant details

Plant type
Trees, Shrubs
Habit
Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Sub-tropical, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
Fragrance
Flower

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. May suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens. Saplings should flower in three years.
Pruning
Minimal pruning required. Pruning group 1 or pruning group 13 if wall-trained. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework when dormant.
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 but may be susceptible to red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly if grown under glass.
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to verticillium wilt and honey fungus