Overview

Mimosa scabrella is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Mimosa, part of the Fabaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 15 metres tall. Mimosa scabrella 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 scabrella is a tree in the family Fabaceae. It is very fast-growing and it can reach a height of 15 m (49 ft) tall in only 3 years. Its trunk is about 0.1–0.5 m (3.9–19.7 in) in diameter. In the wild it grows across Argentina Northeast, Brazil Southeast, Brazil South and BR. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and loam soil. In UK gardens it needs subtropical warmth and glass protection in the UK (RHS H1b). It works well for patio and container plants. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Mimosa scabrella

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 4.0Mimosa

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 scabrella size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Conservatory Greenhouse, Annual Biennial
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
15 metres
Suggested uses
Patio and container plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Mimosa scabrella

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 scabrella?

Mimosa scabrella prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Mimosa scabrella need?

Mimosa scabrella grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How big does Mimosa scabrella grow?

Mimosa scabrella reaches a height of 15 metres.

Is Mimosa scabrella hardy in the UK?

Mimosa scabrella 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 scabrella?

Seed, Softwood cuttings.