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ALBIZIA julibrissin f. rosea

Image of Albizia julibrissin f. rosea

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Fabaceae

Botanical Name

ALBIZIA julibrissin f. rosea

Plant Common Name

Persian Silktree, Pink Siris, Silky Mimosa

General Description

A favorite of hummingbirds, silk tree is a multi-stemmed, spreading deciduous tree native from Iran to Japan. Its natural form rosea bears fragrant, fluffy, rich rose-pink flowerheads in summer and tan seed pods in fall. The ferny light green leaves emerge in late spring, and fold up at night. It includes the cultivar 'Ernest Wilson', a hardy selection that succeeds into USDA zone 5.

Silk tree thrives in most well-drained soils and flowers best in full sun. It is tolerant of drought, heat and saltspray and since it seeds so freely it is often regarded as an invasive species. It may be pruned back annual to grow it more as a multi-stemmed shrub. Its dome-like canopy is good for shading patios and spacious lawns.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 6

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23

  • Plant Type

    Tree

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    15'-40' / 4.6m - 12.2m

  • Width

    15'-50' / 4.6m - 15.2m

  • Bloom Time

    Summer

  • Native To

    Central Asia, Eastern Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Salt, Soil Compaction

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Spreading

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Pink, Rose

  • Flower Color Modifier

    Bicolor

  • Fruit Color

    Tan, Sandy Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Yellow Green, Tan

  • Bark Color

    Sandy Brown, Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Shade Trees

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Attracts

    Hummingbirds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes