Albizia julibrissin f. rosea
(Pink Silk Tree)
Family - Fabaceae
Category - Tree
Origin - Ethiopia, Iran to Japan, Central China
Discovered By - Ernest Wilson
Year of Introduction - 1918
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn
Hardiness - H4
Height - up to 6m
Width - up to 4m
Location - The Pond Garden
Description: A small to medium-sized Deciduous tree with a broad, spreading crown. Mimosa-like, pinnate leaves are blue-green to dark green and have many fine, oblong to sickle-shaped leaflets. Each leaf can reach to 45cm in length. Many small, vivid deep pink florets have spectacularly long, showy stamens that give the flowers a soft brush-like appearance. The florets are densely held in round clusters. The clusters are held in spikes and produced from mid to late summer. The leaves turn yellow in autumn before falling.
Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Additional common names - Persian Acacia, Pink Siris
Flower:
Many small, deep pink florets have very long, prominent stamens and are densly held in round clusters. The clusters are held in spikes and produced in July and August.
Flower colour: Pink
Flower shape: Small florets in clusters
Flowering time: July, August
Foliage:
Mimosa-like, feathery leaves are pinnate with falcate (sickle-shaped) to oblong leaflets. The leaves are blue-green to dark green and have a smooth texture. Each leaf can reach 45cm in length. The leaves are Alternately arranged along the spreading branches.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Pinnate with oblong to falcate leaflets
Autumn Colour: Yellow
Propagation:
Cuttings, seed.
Cultivation:
Best in a sheltered position in full sun in moisture retentive soil that is well drained.