A spreading umbrella-shaped tree with feathery ferny foliage and fluffy pink powderpuff flowers through summer that draw butterflies and bees. Gives light, elegant dappled shade.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 8 m H × 8 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Silk Tree
Albizia julibrissin is a fast-growing tree in the Fabaceae family. It reaches around 8 m tall and 8 m wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. Pink flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Silk Tree
Silk Tree suits warm-temperate, subtropical and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Silk Tree does best in loamy, sandy and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Silk Tree handles dry conditions well once established. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. During the first growing season, water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry, then reduce the frequency as roots establish.
Pruning & care
Prune Silk Tree after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Its ongoing care level is low maintenance.
Using Silk Tree in the garden
Silk Tree earns its place for a shade tree, a feature or specimen planting, attracting butterflies and feeding bees and pollinators.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same very drought tolerant and warm-temperate climate as Silk Tree. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
Good to know
It is thornless and easy to handle. Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.
Buying Silk Tree
Plant Sale lists Silk Tree as advanced specimens and bare-root stock. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
