Overview
Mimosa hostilis is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Mimosa, part of the Fabaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Mimosa hostilis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include patio and container plants.
About
Mimosa hostilis is a bushy evergreen cultivar within the Mimosa genus, which includes a range of growth forms such as shrubs and trees with spiny stems and compound leaves. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade, ideally in a sheltered, south- or west-facing position. It prefers fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil that can be acid, alkaline, or neutral. Suitable for patio and container planting, Mimosa hostilis is hardy to UK zone H1b and is best propagated by seed or softwood cuttings. Its season of interest spans spring and summer.
About the genus
Mimosa is a genus of about 600 species of herbs and shrubs, in the mimosoid clade of the legume family Fabaceae. Species are native to the Americas, from North Dakota to northern Argentina, and to eastern Africa as well as the Indian subcontinent and Indochina. The generic name is derived from the Greek word μῖμος (mimos), 'actor' or 'mime', and the feminine suffix -osa, 'resembling', suggesting its 'sensitive leaves' which seem to 'mimic conscious life'.
Wikipedia contributors, "Mimosa", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Mimosa
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Mimosa
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Mimosa hostilis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Mimosa hostilis
- Propagation
- Seed, Softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Mimosa hostilis?
Mimosa hostilis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Mimosa hostilis need?
Mimosa hostilis grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Mimosa hostilis hardy in the UK?
Mimosa hostilis has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Mimosa hostilis?
Seed, Softwood cuttings.