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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Silk Tree is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Silk Tree after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Silk Tree with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.