Albizia julibrissin f. Rosea – Pink Silk Tree
Profusion of bright pink flowers comprising many stamens that resemble silk filaments.
Habit:
This a small deciduous tree, usually growing to only 5-7M, with a noticeably broad crown. Peak flowering is in late December and January, but continues through most of summer. The modern Persian name translates as “Night Sleeper” and the leaflets fold together, bowing downwards, at night, and during rain. A. julibrissin seeds prolifically and is classified as “invasive” in Japan.
Origins:
A. julibrissin comes from a wide range of central Asia, from Iran to Japan. The Rosea form holds the Award of Garden merit for the RHS in the UK, but its origins are unclear. In the wild A. julibrissin grows on poor, well-drained soils in dry plains, sandy valleys, and uplands.
Soil / Aspect:
A. julibrissin will tolerate a range of soil pH, but the soil does need well drained. It prefers full sun and makes an excellent shade tree. The Rosea form is more frost tolerant than the species, reported as surviving down to -25oC.
Maintenance:
Apart from the usual formative pruning of a young plant, this is very low maintenance, with no significant pests or diseases.