Albizia is an extremely popular plant throughout the world. It has also adapted perfectly to Polish conditions. Also known as the silk tree, it is successfully winning the hearts of lovers of exotic and rare plants. No wonder! Albicias captivate with their unusual appearance, especially the flowers. The extraordinary beauty of albicias is sure to bring a breath of exoticism to your garden or terrace.

Albizia silk tree

Albizia is an exotic plant, belonging to the broad bean family. It owes its name to an Italian, Filippo del Albizzi, who brought it to Europe in the 18th century. Albizia is appreciated by many for its stunning beauty, yet in some parts of the world it is considered a weed. Albice is also recognised by the names silk tree, Persian mimosa or Persian tree. It grows naturally in areas of southern and eastern Asia, from Iran to China and Korea.

How does Albizia look like?

Albizia is a plant that brings a breath of exoticism to the garden or terrace. It is also perfect as a plant for cities, giving urban spaces an unconventional character. The Persian tree forms a wide and spreading crown, somewhat resembling an umbrella. The large, feathery and silvery leaves of the silk tree are very delicate and are moved by every breeze. They reach between 20 and 45 cm in length. The time when the albite focuses all eyes is during the flowering period, which lasts from July to August. The flowers of the Persian mimosa are quite distinctive. This is because they do not have petals. Instead, they consist of a multitude of tiny, thin threads, resembling brushes of silk threads. Clusters of long stamens form dense heads at the ends of the stems. In late summer, fruits - brown, flat pods filled with seeds - begin to appear on the tree. A sweet fragrance is also characteristic of the plant, which attracts butterflies and bees, among others.

Persian silk tree how fast does it grow?

The Persian silk is one of the small trees. In its natural habitat it grows to a height of 12 m. In our climate, under favourable conditions it reaches about 4-5 m. The annual growth is about 20-40 cm. The silky albite is not a long-lived tree and it is rare to find specimens older than 30 years.

Silk albizia - a plant that sleeps and glows at night

In addition to the aforementioned names, albizia is referred to in yet another way, as the 'sleeping tree'. This comes from a characteristic of the albizia that closes its leaves at night and reopens them at dawn. An interesting phenomenon is the albizia flowers, which are slightly phosphorescent at night, making them appear to glow.

Albicja uprawa

The silk tree can be successfully grown in our climate. It is advisable to plant the silky albicia in spring, so that it has time to prepare for the arrival of winter. After that, all you need to do is provide it with the right conditions:

✔️ position

Albizia prefers a site exposed from the wind and in the sunniest position. Note that we plant albizia that are 3 years old into the ground. Before that, it should be grown in pots. It is only after 3 years that the seedlings develop resistance.

✔️ soil

Albizia does not have high soil requirements. A light and permeable substrate will provide the plant with the right conditions for growth. So feel free to use horticultural peat mixed with special soil additives such as expanded clay.

✔️ watering and fertilising

The silk tree must not be overwatered, as it is then more susceptible to disease. In times of drought, albicia should be watered but in moderation. It is also a good idea to fertilise it regularly with suitable, multi-nutrient fertilisers, such as a dedicated fertiliser for Mediterranean plants.

✔️ frost hardiness

Albizia is conditionally hardy. This means that it tolerates cold and frost but only to a certain extent and only after a few years. A silk tree that has been planted in the ground must be given frost protection by mulching the ground and covering it with fleece. Store albizia that you keep in a pot indoors during the winter.

Albizia not flowering - what to do?

The silk tree and, above all, its flowers, which you wait for all year round, is an unparalleled attraction in the garden. However, before the first flowers appear keep calm and be patient. Albizia, like many other southern plants, makes you wait for its flowers and fruit and needs time to have a showy entrance. Persian mimosa only starts to flower when the tree reaches certain parameters: a size of about 150 cm and an age of about three years. Few shrubs flower soon after planting. In the case of albizia, however, the wait for flowering is well worth it, and the reward is a captivating view.

Albizia where to buy?

Albizia silky tree that catches the eye and makes an attractive decoration throughout the season. If you are looking for a Persian tree for your garden, we have something for you. At homeplants.eu you will purchase top quality, rooted cuttings in a pot!