Flowers of Persian silk tree, Albizia julibrissin. Photo: Getty Images.

Albizia julibrissin

Persian silk tree

  • Botanical name: Albizia julibrissin
  • Common name: Persian silk tree
  • Family: Fabeaceae
  • Plant Type: Tree, Deciduous
Flower colour:

Pink

Foliage colour:

Green

Albizia julibrissin (known as Persian silk tree or mimosa) is native to Asia but was introduced to the United States in the 18th Century, where it’s commonly grown. It has fragrant, bottlebrush pink-white flowers, and fern-like leaves. Hardy throughout the UK, it makes an excellent tree for a sheltered, sunny spot, although it does take a while to come into growth in spring. In cold winters some newer parts of the tree can be susceptible to frost damage, but these can be pruned out with little or no impact on the tree itself.

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Grow Albizia julibrissin in well-drained soil in a sheltered spot in full sun. Prune out frost-damaged growth in spring.

Is Albizia the same as mimosa?

Pink blossom of Persian silk tree Albizia julibrissin. Getty Images
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Several plants are known as mimosa. These include the sensitive plant, Mimosa pudica, as well as Acacia dealbata, which is most commonly called mimosa. Albizia julibrissin is often called mimosa, particularly in the United States. All three plants have similar leaves.

Advice on buying Albizia julibrissin

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  • Albizia julibrissin takes a while to come ino growth in spring, so isn’t the best choice for a small garden
  • You may find Albizia julibrissin at a garden centre or nursery, but you’ll have a greater vareity of sizes by shopping online
  • Always check plants for signs of disease or damage before planting

Where to buy Albizia julibrissin

How to grow Albizia julibrissin

  • Plant size

    8m height

    4m spread

  • Aspect

    South facing, west facing

  • Position in border

    Middle, back

  • Sun exposure: Full sun
  • Hardiness: Hardy
  • Soil type: Acidic / chalky / alkaline / well drained / light / sandy

Albizia julibrissin and wildlife

Albizia julibrissin is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Attractive to Bees

Does not attract Beneficial insects

Does not attract Birds

Does not attract Butterflies​/​Moths

Does not attract Other pollinators

Is Albizia julibrissin poisonous?

Albizia julibrissin has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

No reported toxicity to Birds

No reported toxicity to Cats

No reported toxicity to Dogs

No reported toxicity to Horses

No reported toxicity to Livestock

No reported toxicity to People