Overview
Albizia lebbeck is a bushy trees in the genus Albizia, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Albizia lebbeck grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal and mediterranean climate plants.
About
Albizia lebbeck, commonly known as East Indian walnut or kokko, is a bushy deciduous tree within the Albizia genus, which comprises deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers with bipinnate foliage and distinctive flower clusters featuring prominent stamens. This cultivar thrives in full sun with a south- or west-facing, sheltered aspect, favouring fertile, well-drained soils such as loam, sand, or chalk with a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for city and courtyard gardens as well as coastal or Mediterranean climates, offering interest in both spring and summer. Propagation can be achieved by semi-ripe cuttings or seed.
About the genus
Albizia is a genus of more than 160 species of mostly fast-growing subtropical and tropical trees and shrubs in the subfamily Mimosoideae of the family Fabaceae. The genus is pantropical, occurring in Asia, Africa, Madagascar, America and Australia, but mostly in the Old World tropics. In some locations, some species are considered weeds.
Wikipedia contributors, "Albizia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Albizia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Albizia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Albizia lebbeck size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Albizia lebbeck
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Verticillium wilt, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Albizia lebbeck?
Albizia lebbeck prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Albizia lebbeck need?
Albizia lebbeck is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, sand and chalk. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Albizia lebbeck hardy in the UK?
Albizia lebbeck has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Albizia lebbeck?
Semi-ripe cuttings, Seed.
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