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Albizia julibrissin

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

Albizia julibrissin

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Persian silk treeTree, DeciduousFamily: Fabeaceae

Height: 8mSpread: 4m
Hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

Pink

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Full sun

Aspect:

South facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Back, middle

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

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.

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

Pink blossom of Persian silk tree Albizia julibrissin. Getty Images

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 into 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
The most common cultivars sold online include 'Ombrella' and 'Rosea'
Always check plants for signs of disease or damage before planting

Where to buy Albizia julibrissin

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Albizia ‘julibrissin’ and wildlife

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

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is not known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is not known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Albizia ‘julibrissin’ poisonous?

Albizia ‘julibrissin’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Cats

Cats

Is not known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People