Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Albizia julibrissin or Persian silk tree

The genus Albizia, of the Fabaceae family, comprises 160 species of tropical and subtropical trees and shrubs native to Asia, Africa, Madagascar, America and Australia. Some species are: Albizia julibrissin, Albizia ferruginea, Albizia inundata, Albizia pistaciifolia, Albizia saman.

Common names: Persian silk tree, Lenkoran acacia, Bastard tamarind, Pink silk, Chinese silk tree, Silk tree, Mimosa. This species is native to southwestern and eastern Asia.

They are fast-growing, umbrella-shaped canopy-like trees. The leaves are bright green and are made up of small oblique, deciduous and alternate leaflets. The showy flowers lack petals but have many white and pink stamens. They bloom during the summer and fall.

They are used as isolated specimens or to create groups and as shade trees.

The Albizia julibrissin can be grown in full sun or half shade exposure.

They are not demanding on the soil; a well-drained garden substrate is sufficient. Planting should be done in spring or autumn.

Irrigation will be moderate (one per week), increasing a little in summer (2 per week). At the time of planting you will need more water than normal.

They do not need pruning but can be trimmed before flowering to control growth and shape them.

Fertilize annually with manure and once a month with mineral fertilizer during the flowering period.

They are not usually attacked by garden pests, but excess watering must be monitored.

They can propagate from seeds sown in spring, by cuttings in spring or summer and by layering in early summer.

Images of the tree Albizia julibrissin or Persian silk tree